I don't have a scales yet, so besides the weight, is there any way to tell the difference between the normal 1982 USA penny and the commemorative one to celebrate 150 years since Lincoln's birth? I can't tell any difference in the pictures on here.
The people who are hoarding them as copper bullion swear by the "ding test". Drop the coins onto a hard surface and I'm told they each have a completely different tone.
I'm guessing it's not an option if they are high grade. The zinc coins post 1982 have a much lower relief than the copper coins although it's pretty hard to tell a poorly struck type 1 from a well struck type 2.
Scales are pretty much an essential today for anyone collecting beyond the pocket change stage due to the number of fakes being sold. Until recently I was confident that I could spot a cast fake at 100 yards but since getting digital scales a few years ago I wonder how I ever managed without them.
A small magnet, 10x loupe, 4 inch/10cm rule and digital scales go with me whenever I go coin hunting. I'm looking for a free app for my Android which lists mint specs for world coins. I've seen such a thing referred to elsewhere but can't find it.
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
Make Numismatics Great Again!
You mean the one that, when phone camera is pointed at the coin, discriminates Fake/Original, grades the coin and gives instant market valuation?
I collect coins and tokens which circulated in Africa from 18th century to 2000. I sell about 7000 illustrated world coins from http://www.avscoins.com.
I agree. They are a mid year change of material, mid year, but they are the same as all the pennies after 1982.
The 'ding" test that Phil spoke of, is a good way to tell the difference, if you have an ear for it. There is a different ring to the 1982 copper and the zinc coins.
My question irt the 1982 pennies , is there anywhere that has the amount small dates minted? Must not be much because I rarely come across them and I pretty much check 20 rolls a week.
