Near mid-year 1982 not only did the composition of the Lincoln cent go from brass to a zinc core plated in pure copper, but the design changed from a larger letter, mushy design to one that is much sharper and cleaner. This left 8 possible varieties given two mints, two compositions, and two designs, but one was left out of the mix and except for very very rare cases it was not made. It would be the 1982 small date brass from Denver.
Design types · Obverse (ODT)
1982 Small Date obverse (ODT22)
Sharper and thinner lettering mark this obverse design type
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Design types identify distinct engraved designs. When differing designs create collectible alternatives within the same production context, they may also form Lincoln cent design varieties.