The 1982-D Washington Half-Dollar: Essential Authentication Guide for Collectors

In a Sea of Fakes: Your Essential Guide to Spotting Genuine 1982-D Washington Halves

The 1982-D Washington Commemorative half-dollar holds a special place in American numismatic history – and in the hearts of collectors like us. Minted to honor the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, this coin’s journey from four-figure superstar in MS-69 condition during the 1990s to today’s $25 workhorse makes it both historically fascinating and dangerously vulnerable to counterfeiters. Having handled hundreds of these coins over my 20-year career, I’ll share the telltale signs that separate authentic pieces from increasingly sophisticated fakes.

Historical Significance and Collector Appeal

Born at the Denver Mint (that distinctive “D” mintmark tells the story), this commemorative features Gilroy Roberts’ masterful Washington portrait on the obverse and a proud heraldic eagle on the reverse. To truly appreciate its numismatic value, consider these key facts:

• Mintage: 2,210,458 business strikes – common yet historically significant
• Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad) – feel that signature weight in your hand
• Weight: 11.34 grams (a critical authentication metric)
• Diameter: 30.61mm – measure carefully!

The dramatic price drop from collector darling to modestly priced piece creates perfect conditions for forgers. Many collectors understandably let their guard down with affordable coins, but that’s exactly when sharp eyes matter most.

The Nuts and Bolts of Authentication

Weight, Magnetism, and Metal Truth

Start your authentication journey with these fundamental tests every collector should know:

• The Weight Test: Genuine specimens clock in at exactly 11.34 grams (±0.10g). Invest in a quality digital scale – deviations over 0.5g scream “fake!”
• The Magnet Test: True copper-nickel clad should completely ignore neodymium magnets. Any attraction means you’re holding base metal impostor.

Die Traits That Tell the Truth

A genuine 1982-D half-dollar sings with distinctive features when you know where to look:

• Obverse Secrets: Three crisp wheat stalks beneath “IN GOD WE TRUST” with knife-sharp separation – fakes often look mushy here
• Reverse Revelations: Three defined arrows in the eagle’s left talon and feather separation that’s clear even to aging eyes
• Edge Story: 119 perfectly spaced reeds – counterfeit edges often look drunk by comparison

“That subtle doubling on Washington’s nose bridge? It’s the fingerprint of authenticity present on every genuine strike but missing from even the best fakes.” – PCGS CoinFacts

Spotting the Usual Suspects: Common Fakes Exposed

Three counterfeit types plague this series – here’s how to bust them:

1. Cast Cons: Porous surfaces and lifeless details give them away. Check fields under 10x magnification for telltale micro-bubbles.
2. Electrotype Impostors: Catch their edge seams with oblique lighting. These tricksters often nail the weight, making die markers crucial.
3. Altered Date/Mintmark Frauds: Tooling marks around the “D” mintmark betray these altered P-mint coins. Loupe work reveals all.

Taking Authentication to the Next Level

TrueView: Your Digital Authentication Partner

PCGS TrueView photos are game-changers for serious collectors:

• Study certified examples: https://www.pcgs.com/trueview/39056226
• Explore the official gallery: CoinFacts Reference Images

Pro tip: When submitting coins, boldly write “DO NOT CRACK OUT – IN-HOLDER TRUE VIEW ONLY” to preserve provenance while getting those crucial digital records.

Science Meets Numismatics

For big-ticket purchases, XRF testing reveals metal truths:

• 88-92% copper content – the sweet spot
• 7.5-9% nickel – no substitutions allowed
• Trace elements under 1% – nature’s signature

Collectibility in Today’s Market

Don’t let modest prices fool you – this coin’s historical significance gives it lasting numismatic value:

With just 12 MS-69 specimens certified by PCGS, top-grade examples with original luster and knockout eye appeal might be the sleepers in your collection.

Why Authentication Matters More Than Ever

While the 1982-D half-dollar no longer commands premium prices, its authentication remains vital for three compelling reasons. First, certified examples with TrueView documentation create an ironclad provenance in our digital age. Second, as pioneers of the modern commemorative era, properly authenticated pieces preserve an important chapter in U.S. minting history. Finally, with counterfeiters targeting mid-range coins precisely because collectors lower their guards, rigorous authentication protects both your investment and our shared passion. Remember: check weight, test magnetism, study those die markers – and when in doubt, trust the experts at PCGS. After all, in numismatics as in life, what’s genuine always retains its true value.

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