Question on 1982 cents ???

Dozer D

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Feb 12, 2012
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Been copper hoarding for 3-years now. Have been putting the 1982 on the side separately to divide between the copper & zinc ones later on. Well i think its time. Other than using a Ryedale copper sorter, or a gram scale, does anyone have a sure-proof quick method to separate the two ( copper vs zinc ) ? I want to get my 12-grandkids collection penny folders moving soon, since there are large & small dates P & D's to contend with, within the 1982 date.
 

takeonestepback

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Jan 2, 2015
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Copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams, whereas the zinc pennies weigh only 2.5 grams. Be sure to use a scale that is accurate enough to detect the tenth of a gram (0.10) or better or it can register the zinc pennies at 3 grams.
 

dustywallen

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May 18, 2012
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Been copper hoarding for 3-years now. Have been putting the 1982 on the side separately to divide between the copper & zinc ones later on. Well i think its time. Other than using a Ryedale copper sorter, or a gram scale, does anyone have a sure-proof quick method to separate the two ( copper vs zinc ) ? I want to get my 12-grandkids collection penny folders moving soon, since there are large & small dates P & D's to contend with, within the 1982 date.

Best option I think is to order a 1982 mint set. Can get one for a couple of bucks on the bay.
 

Slingshot

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If you have a metal detector with VDI it shouldn't be a problem to use it to tell the difference between the coppers and zincs. Just set your machine up where you can pass the coins past the coil.
 

huntsman53

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Jun 11, 2013
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If you have a metal detector with VDI it shouldn't be a problem to use it to tell the difference between the coppers and zincs. Just set your machine up where you can pass the coins past the coil.

That is a great thought and idea! I just use my Jeweler's Weighing Scale.


Frank
 

cudamark

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If you have a metal detector with VDI it shouldn't be a problem to use it to tell the difference between the coppers and zincs. Just set your machine up where you can pass the coins past the coil.
That's the way i do it too. Pretty quick and easy. I find it a bit faster than using a scale.
 

Diggin-N-Dumps

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I actually just flip them in the air when I get to an 82 cent, or drop it on the ground, its pretty obvious when you do that. It either Pings for Copper or thuds for Zinc
 

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