1882 1c MS RB

1882 Cent Production: This is another high-mintage date of the 1880’s; the quality of these coins is usually high.

By this time new issues from the last few years dominated the cents in circulation. The redemption program started in 1871 was essentially ended. Many of the older bronze cents had been redeemed and melted or reissued. Now only spoiled cents were being turned in. Copper-nickel cents still in circulation continued to be redeemed and melted.

Survivability: Much of this issue went into circulation and remained there. Most wore down to low grades before being removed from commerce. The few that survived by chance are typically above average for this era.

Collecting Challenges: Seek out problem-free and attractive examples.

Collecting Circulated Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for circulated coins is AU-50. This date should easily be found in most grades. Most are well struck. Finding problem-free examples should be the main concern.

Collecting Mint State Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for Mint State coins is MS-65RB. This issue can easily be found in most grades. Full red examples may be difficult to find without spots or detracting problems. True gems are very tough to locate. Prices for this date in all grades are similar to those of the 1880 through 1883 issues.

Collecting Proof Issues: 1882 is another high-mintage Proof issue, one of the easiest dates to find. However, examples graded PF-65RD and higher are very diffcult to find. On the other hand, this is the most available date with vivid blue toning. Perhaps a larger percentage of this date remained in the Proskey hoard compared to other dates. (See 1878 for details on this hoard.)

Snow-6 is a very popular and rare variety, with the bases of numerous 1 digits in the neck and pearl necklace. Of all the major varieties, this is one of the most elusive.