1982 Denver mint penny (3.069g) small date 1 1

[Careg42]

I'm seeking an expert's opinion on this penny. At first glance it looks like a legitimate "small date," but upon comparison to the much more defined small date of a penny in somewhat-better condition (2.5g,) I'm truly not certain. All of the lettering on said penny appears to be more worn/smooshed, including the date (specifically the "8," it doesn't look nearly as large as the "8's" on what are *clearly* large dated pennies.) I've included comparisons to other 1982 D pennies. 

The penny in question weighs 3.069g, labeled as 3.07g in the pictures as I rounded up. 

[Sandon]

   Welcome to the NGC chat board. Please note that the "Coin Marketplace" forum is for offers to buy or sell coins, not for questions like yours, which are best posted on the "Newbie Coin Collecting Questions" forum. 

   The damaged 1982-D cent that you have weighed as 3.07 grams is a large date, as is the one weighed as 3.1 grams. Both of these are obviously of the common brass (95% copper, 5% zinc) composition. The piece weighed as 2.5 grams is a small date, the lower weight identifying it as copper plated zinc, also common. (Only two 1982-D small date brass pieces have been identified, and it is quite unlikely that you will find another.)

   I have never had any difficulty telling the two different 1982 hubs apart just by looking at them. The following infographic should be helpful:

   Note particularly the much smaller top ball of the "8", the different shape of the "2', and the greater distance between the "2" and the rim on the small date.

 

Edited August 7 by Sandon
correction

[Careg42]

Thank you Sandon!

I do realize now that I've posted in the wrong forum. Thank you for answering my question and providing a detailed explanation of the differences between the two dates regardless of that, I appreciate it!