1982–2000: Lincoln Memorial Cent (97.5% Zinc / 2.5% Copper (Copper-Plated Zinc) Type)

1982–2000: Lincoln Memorial Cent (97.5% Zinc / 2.5% Copper (Copper-Plated Zinc) Type) history

Rising copper costs led the Mint to adopt a copper-plated zinc cent during 1982. The finished coin is 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper overall and weighs 2.50 grams, while the Lincoln Memorial design continued.

Because both bronze and zinc cents carry the 1982 date, weight separates the compositions. Date size, mintmark, doubled dies, plating quality, and original color identify further varieties and condition differences.

1982–2000 copper-plated zinc Memorial cent notes

The Mint adopted a 2.50-gram copper-plated zinc planchet during 1982 while retaining the Lincoln Memorial reverse. The thin copper layer can split, blister, or expose zinc at contact points, producing surface behavior unlike the earlier solid bronze alloy.

1982 attribution: The year contains seven generally collected Philadelphia and Denver business-strike combinations divided by date style and metal. Weight separates bronze from zinc; date diagnostics separate Large Date from Small Date.

Reverse-die varieties: The 1992 Close AM and 1992-D Close AM use close spacing between A and M in AMERICA. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 Wide AM business strikes use the wider proof-style spacing. Genuine attribution also considers the designer-initial placement and other reverse-hub diagnostics.