1982-P Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Red

This 1982-P Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Red comes from one of the most interesting years in the entire Lincoln cent series. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it represents a transitional period in modern U.S. coinage, when the Mint changed the cent from its longtime bronze alloy to a copper-plated zinc composition. In Brilliant Uncirculated Red condition, coins from this year are especially appealing because they preserve the bright original color and sharper detail that collectors look for in higher-quality Memorial cents. 

The Lincoln Memorial cent was introduced in 1959, replacing the Wheat reverse and beginning a new chapter in the history of the Lincoln cent series. Victor D. Brenner’s portrait of Lincoln remained on the obverse, while Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial design appeared on the reverse. By 1982, the series had already been part of everyday American life for more than two decades, but that year became especially notable because Philadelphia cents were produced in multiple varieties, including both bronze and copper-plated zinc compositions as well as large-date and small-date styles. That makes 1982 an especially interesting date for collectors studying the evolution of modern U.S. coinage. 

Collectors enjoy 1982 Lincoln cents because they offer more than just a standard modern issue. This date sits at the center of the cent’s composition change, giving it added interest beyond a typical Memorial cent. Red Brilliant Uncirculated examples are especially desirable because they retain more of their original mint color and eye appeal than coins that entered circulation. A piece like this works well for collectors building a Memorial cent set, assembling a 1982 transition-year group, or adding a bright Philadelphia example to a broader Lincoln cent collection. The last sentence is an inference based on the coin’s date, mint, and preserved BU Red condition. 

Specifications & Mintage

Denomination: One Cent

Series: Lincoln Memorial Cent

Designer: Victor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro

Composition: Transitional year — bronze or copper-plated zinc, depending on variety

Weight: 3.11 grams or 2.50 grams, depending on variety

Diameter: 19.00 mm

Edge: Plain

Mint: Philadelphia

Mintage: 10,712,525,000

Years of Issue: 1959–2008

Reverse Type: Lincoln Memorial 

Item Details

This listing includes one 1982-P Lincoln Memorial Cent in Brilliant Uncirculated condition with Red color. The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and features the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Because 1982 was a transition year with multiple Philadelphia varieties, composition and weight can differ depending on the specific coin. Please review the photos carefully for the overall appearance and quality of the exact coin you will receive. 

Whether you are building a complete Lincoln Memorial cent set, looking for a bright Red Philadelphia issue, or adding a coin from this important transition year to your collection, this 1982-P Lincoln Memorial Cent BU Red makes a meaningful addition.