In coin collecting, a key date refers to a date (or date and mint mark combination) of a given coin series or set that is harder to obtain than other dates in the series. For example, the 1909-S VDB is the key date in the Lincoln cent series.
Why did pennies change in 1982?
The cent’s composition was changed in 1982 because the value of the copper in the coin started to rise above one cent. Some 1982 pennies used the 97.5% zinc composition, while others used the 95% copper composition.
Does the date on a coin mean?
Mintage. The initial mintage of a particular date and mint mark combination of a coin is what makes a coin a key date. This initial production is the starting point for the possibility of a coin that was minted in the early 1800s surviving until today. The lowest mintage coins are usually considered the key dates.
What does it mean when a quarter has two dates?
Bicentennial quarters
Most Bicentennial quarters are worth at least $5 in Mint State. Bicentennial quarters were made to commemorate America’s 200th birthday. They feature a special reverse design and the date “1776–1976” in honor of the occasion.
Are pennies before 1982 worth more?
So for the past 30 years, pennies have been made with an alloy comprised of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, but pennies minted before 1982 are 95% copper and 5% zinc. The price of copper has more than quadrupled over the past 10 years. So a penny produced before 1982 is worth 2.2 cents based on the metal it contains.
What’s the significance of finding pennies or Dimes after?
Many people report finding coins on specific dates that have significance to them. It could be on a birthday, wedding anniversary or anniversary of death. They sometimes find them in unusual places. People have reported finding pennies or dimes on their pillow even though they live alone.
What are the different types of Pennys in history?
An Overview of Different Types of Pennies 1 Flowing Hair Cent (1793) 2 Liberty Cap Cent (1793 – 1796) 3 Classic Head Cent (1808 – 1814)
Why are copper pennies so much more valuable?
The high value of this coin is due to its uncirculated condition and its original copper-red color. In 1856, the price of copper rose to the point that it took more than a penny’s worth of copper to make a penny. Prior to this date, pennies were large and bulky and were almost the size of a half-dollar.
When did the Copper Penny go out of circulation?
In 1797 industrialist Matthew Boulton gained a contract to produce official pennies at his Soho Mint in Birmingham; he struck millions of pennies over the next decade. After that, it was not until 1825 that pennies were struck again for circulation, and the copper penny continued to be issued until 1860.
