The US 1982 Cent coin, designed by Frank Gasparro, marked a significant change in coinage composition. Due to rising copper prices, the 1982 Cent shifted from a primarily copper to a copper-plated zinc composition. This change was economically driven, reflecting the U.S. government’s response to inflationary pressures and the rising cost of materials.
Gasparro’s design for the 1982 Cent, featuring Abraham Lincoln, remained unchanged from previous years. However, the shift in metal content symbolized a practical adjustment in response to economic challenges. The 1982 Cent reflected both the political pressures of managing national finances and the ongoing evolution of U.S. coinage design.