Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has authenticated and graded a 1982 Small Date Lincoln cent that was struck in bronze at the U.S. Mint in Denver. It is the only known coin of its type, and is attributed as a mint error.
In 1982, the U.S. Mint altered its cents from bronze to brass-plated zinc and changed their bust, lettering and date. These refinements resulted in seven distinct varieties issued for circulation that year:
- 1982 Large Date Bronze,
- 1982 Small Date Bronze,
- 1982-D Large Date Bronze,
- 1982 Large Date Brass-Plated Zinc,
- 1982 Small Date Brass-Plated Zinc,
- 1982-D Large Date Brass-Plated Zinc and
- 1982-D Small Date Brass-Plated Zinc.
There was no 1982-D Small Date cent issued or known to exist in bronze until this piece was discovered.
"While one could argue that this piece is the eighth variety of circulation issue 1982 cents, NGC has attributed it as a mint error since it was undoubtedly struck in error from a leftover planchet and unintentionally released into circulation," NGC said in a statement.
The cent’s owner contacted variety and error specialist Ken Potter, who revealed its existence in an article published by Numismatic News. It was then submitted to NGC for certification. The cent is graded NGC AU 58 and labeled as a "discovery coin."
For information about NGC and their grading services, visit www.ngccoin.com.
