In the 3rd edition of Strike It Rich with Pocket Change, I and my co-author, Dr. Brian Allen, included a 1983 Lincoln cent struck on a solid copper alloy bronze planchet that was discovered a year earlier by the late Billy Crawford. All Memorial cents struck after 1982 were supposed to be copper-plated zinc! Several more examples of the 1983 bronze cents have been found since then and have been selling in the five-figures range!
When it came time to review that listing for the 4th edition I decided to add a footnote that there was no reason to suspect this same error could not have occurred on a 1983-D cent and I suggested readers check the weight of these coins to see if any were of the 3.1 grams bronze composition. After all, if it occurred at the Philadelphia Mint why not the Denver Mint too?
That footnote set the stage for a 1983-D solid bronze cent being discovered shortly after a finder read that passage in the book. It sold for $18,500 in 2018.
Now, being added to the 5th edition is a 1982-D Small Date cent struck on a solid bronze planchet discovered in 2017. There were no 1982-D Small Date bronze cents known until this find! It sold for $18,800 in 2018!
These three rather recent “transitional” rarities all have one thing in common: they were all found on dates and denominations where virtually nobody else was looking!
So where to look next? There are several dates and two denominations in particular to look out for that virtually nobody is searching yet. Here is where to look:
1983-S Proof Lincoln cent struck solid bronze 3.1 grams planchet. Struck on a planchet left over from 1982 proof cent production.
In 2009 the Mints struck four different Lincoln cent reverse designs to commemorate the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The cents minted for circulation were struck on the regular copper-plated zinc planchets that have been in use since 1982, while the cents included in government-issued collector sets (numismatic issues) were struck on the traditional solid bronze alloy to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Lincoln cent. Striking both types of planchets in the same facilities is a recipe for mix-ups to occur, i.e., the wrong planchets going to the wrong presses in 2009 or any presses striking cents in 2008 or 2010. While the bronze planchets were intended for use in 2009 it is normal for the Mints to test strike some planchets the year before to make sure everything is set up correctly. Thus it is possible that some 2008 cents could have been struck as test pieces or in error. This is what to look for:
2008 and 2008-D Lincoln cents that weigh 3.1 grams (planchet intended for 2009 numismatic issues)
2009 and 2009-D Lincoln cents Brilliant Uncirculated “Business Strike” Finish that weighs 3.1 grams (planchet intended for the matte finish numismatic issues). Check all four Bicentennial designs for this error.*
2009 and 2009-D Lincoln cents matte finish numismatic issue that weighs 2.5 grams (copper-plated zinc planchet intended for the circulation issues). Check all four Bicentennial designs for this error.*
2009-S Proof Lincoln cents that weigh 2.5 grams (planchet intended for 2008 numismatic and non-numismatic cent production)
2010, 2010-D and 2010-S Lincoln cents that weigh 3.1 grams (planchet intended for 2009 numismatic issues)
*2009-P-D cents struck for general circulation were struck on 2.5 gram copper-plated zinc planchets. These were issued with a brilliant finish. The 2009 cents struck for official government issues Mint Sets were struck with a satin or matte finish. Coins found in circulation may have worn too much to distinguish them apart while some say that later strikes from Mint Sets may have a very light matte finish that is indistinguishable from some circulation strikes. I feel I can tell all examples in mint state apart, but that’s me. Clearly at the very least early strikes from each version can be told apart, in mint state and at these should be checked. Note that any bronze vs. copper-plated zinc planchet errors involving the 2009 issues are not technically transitional errors. The more technically accurate term would be “wrong planchet” errors. The technicalities of the nomenclature make little difference in the desirability of such items that are often collected as transitional.
Starting in 2012 the Mint decided to strike circulation quality quarters at the San Francisco Mint. These are sold directly to collectors in 40-piece roll to 100 piece bag quantities. Many of them get released into general circulation after a collector obtains one or two pieces of the higher grade examples for his or her collection. The San Francisco Mint has also been producing proof sets containing all 90% silver coins for the dime through half dollar. What this means is that starting in 2012, it is possible that the Mint could have struck a 2012-S circulation strike on a 90% silver planchet. Look for a 2012-S–2021-S America The Beautiful quarter in the brilliant uncirculation finish struck on a 90% Silver Planchet that weighs 6.2 grams. Beware of Chromium Plated, Silver Plated and Platinum Plated quarters that appear to be silver to the uneducated eye. These are used as novelty items or sold in sets by telemarketers and have no extra value. Weigh them! They must weigh 6.2 grams.