CU-1c-1982-01(LD) Cud

Description

Sharing the same census designation CU-1c-1982-01(LD) as its bronze counterpart, this entry documents the identical die break pattern on the Zinc Large Date subtype — the lighter copper-plated zinc planchet weighing 2.5 grams. The existence of Bronze/Zinc pairs under a single census number is one of the most fascinating aspects of the 1982 cud census: it reflects the operational reality that during the mid-1982 transition period, the same obverse and reverse dies could be paired with either composition of planchet as the Mint's planchet supply shifted from bronze to zinc. When a die that had already developed a rim fracture continued in service across the composition changeover, it produced cuds on both alloy types — identical in die break position but distinct in weight, color, and metallurgical character. The zinc version documented here is 0.6 grams lighter than its bronze twin, with a copper coating over a nearly pure zinc core that can give the surface a subtly cooler, more silvery appearance compared to the warm reddish tone of solid copper. For collectors, acquiring both members of a Bronze/Zinc pair provides a tangible illustration of the 1982 transition captured in a single die's working life. Attribution by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Mike Diamond
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References