I have many of these and am unable to identify the different variations. They all look alike to me. I have a book that shows the large date and the small dates. I still don't see the difference. I can't tell the difference in the composition either.Ughhhh

The Large and Small dates should be pretty easy if you have a loupe and compare them to 1983 and beyond Lincolns.

As far as the difference in composition, weighing or using a home made balance of some kind can work.

Distinguishing between the brass and zinc cents is easiest by weight. The brass cent is heavier, at 3.11 grams versus 2.5 grams for the zinc cent.

You can also try thr "sound" method. Take a pre '82 cent and a post '82 cent and drop them on a table top. They make 2 differant sounds. Copper has a bit of a ring and zinc more of a thud. Now drop your '82 and match the sound.