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For US 1 cent coins: 1793 to 1942 and 1944 to 1982
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When did the us stop making copper pennies?
They stopped making copper pennies in 1982. There are some 1982 pennies that are 95% copper and some that are not. 1983 pennies that are 95% exist but are rare and are collectors items.While the above statement would seem to be correct, it is, however, not completely true. The U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, or pennies with some copper content, except in 1943, when they were made of a low-grade carbon steel and coated with zinc (having a grey color); this change was due to the need for copper and brass during World War II. These 1943 wartime pennies are commonly referred to as "steel" pennies. They contain NO copper...More correctly, 1982 was the last mint year for 95% copper cents. Since mid-1982, the newest (current, as of 2012) composition for U.S. one-cent coins ("pennies") has an inner core alloy of 99.2% zinc with 0.8% copper, with the coin balance as an outer plating of pure copper, for a total coin composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. These current pennies are commonly called "zinc pennies", due to their heavy-majority zinc content, even though they do still contain some copper. The composition of U.S. pennies from mid-1864 to mid-1982 was an alloy of 95% copper with either 5% tin-and-zinc ("bronze" pennies) or 5% zinc ("brass" pennies). Before that, the composition was an alloy of 88% copper with 12% nickel from mid-1857 to mid-1864 (the only time any U.S. pennies ever contained nickel), and, initially, from 1793 to mid-1857, the first U.S. pennies were made of pure (100%) copper.Since the first U.S. one-cent coins in 1793, U.S. pennies have always contained at least some copper, except, again, in the singular case of the year 1943, the so-called "steel" pennies.Therefore, the most correct answer to the question is either:(1) the U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, except in 1943; or(2) 1943 is the only year the U.S. stopped making copper pennies, or any pennies with NO copper in them.Hope this helps!
When did the stop making the copper pennies?
1982. Since then pennies have been mostly zinc with just a little copper.As the immediate above statement includes the word copper as part of the answer, which part is, in fact, true, then 1982 is not the answer to the question after all...If the "the(y)" part of the question above refers to the U.S., the U.S. government, or the U.S. Mint, then 1982 was the last mint year for 95% copper cents. Since mid-1982, the newest (current, as of 2012) composition for U.S. one-cent coins ("pennies") has an inner core alloy of 99.2% zinc with 0.8% copper, with the coin balance as an outer plating of pure copper, for a total coin composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. These current pennies are commonly called "zinc pennies". The composition of U.S. pennies from mid-1864 to mid-1982 was an alloy of 95% copper with either 5% tin-and-zinc ("bronze" pennies) or 5% zinc ("brass" pennies). Before that, the composition was an alloy of 88% copper with 12% nickel from mid-1857 to mid-1864 (the only time any pennies ever contained nickel), and, initially, from 1793 to mid-1857, the first U.S. pennies were made of pure (100%) copper.Since the first U.S. one-cent coins in 1793, U.S. pennies have always contained at least some copper, except for 1943, when they were made of a low-grade carbon steel and coated with zinc, having a grey color, due to the need for copper and brass during World War II. These are commonly referred to as "steel" pennies (they contain NO copper)...Therefore, the most correct answer to the question is either:(1) "they" (the U.S.) have never stopped making copper pennies, except in 1943; or(2) 1943 is the only year the U.S. stopped making copper pennies, or made pennies with NO copper in them.Hope this helps!
What is the value of pennies minted between 1950 and 1980?
Pennies minted in this time were made of more copper than the pennies minted today. These pennies (made of 95% copper) are technically only worth the face value. However, while it is not yet legal to melt them down, they contain a higher metal value of about $0.0254 or 2.54 cents. Some of the older coins, especially those in great condition, are worth closer to 3 or 4 cents.
What year did they stop minting pure copper pennies?
This is a potentially difficult question to answer, based on its vagueness. We'll try to answer what we think is meant, and give some extra information which may also be helpful...If, in this question, the "they" means, or refers to, the U.S. government or the U.S. Mint, then the answer would be mid-1857. From 1793 into mid-1857, the U.S. minted 100% pure copper one-cent coins ("pennies"). 1857, then, would be the last year the U.S. minted pure copper pennies.In mid-1857, the denomination's size was reduced to its current 19 mm and the composition was changed to an alloy of 88% copper and 12% nickel. This composition remained into mid-1864, when the long-standing 95% copper makeup first came into use. The 1857-1864 pennies are the only pennies, and the only time period, when U.S. pennies contained any nickel. Since mid-1864, the pennies have consistently been an alloy of 95% copper with the balance being either 5% tin-and-zinc ("bronze" pennies) or 5% zinc ("brass" pennies). The only exception was the 1943 "steel" pennies, described further below."Lincoln" cents were NEVER made of purecopper. They were also struck in the copper-heavy "bronze" or "brass" alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin-and-zinc or 5% zinc (as mentioned above), except in 1943, when they were composed of a low-grade carbon steel and coated with zinc, to save copper for the war effort (World War II). The so-called "Lincoln pennies", so named for having Abraham Lincoln's profile on the front (obverse), started in the year 1909, with a wreath formed from a pair of wheat ears on the rear (reverse). These pennies from 1909-1958 have further been nicknamed "wheat pennies" to distinguish them from the "Lincoln Memorial" pennies, from 1959-2008, due to this monument replacing the wheat wreath on the reverse. For 2009 only, the reverses were changed to four alternating scenes from Lincoln's life. In 2010, the reverse was changed again to the "Union Shield", as it remains today (2015), and onward...Mid-1982 was the last year for pennies made mostly of copper. Again, U.S. pennies were 95% copper, from mid-1864 up until mid-1982, except for the zinc-coated "steel" pennies in 1943. In 1982, two versions of the cent were produced: the 95% copper alloy (first part of year) and the copper-coated zinc cents (last portion of year), which composition is still used today. Officially, from 1983 onward, all U.S. cents intended for circulation have been the newer copper-coated zinc variety.How can one tell if a 1982 U.S. cent is MAJORITY copper or not? Anything to do with spinning it?NO. The most certain way to tell the difference is by weight. The mid-1982-and-earlier pennies have a total coin weight of about 3.11 grams, being composed mostly of copper (95%), while the mid-1982-and-newer pennies have a total coin weight of about 2.5 grams, being composed mostly of zinc (97.5%). In a coin this size, a difference of approximately more than one half of a gram is very significant, and is practically foolproof, even on any reasonably inexpensive scale, so long as it displays grams to at least the first position behind the decimal point! (These newer pennies have an inner core of 99.2% zinc alloyed with 0.8% copper and an outer plating of pure copper, for a total coin composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.) [We could add, then, that since mid-1982 and later, there actually is PURE copper ON the cents, but only on the outer layer or plating...]As a safe bet, one might even weigh the 1983 pennies due to the possibility of some leftover 95% copper blanks at the mint accidentally being stamped as 1983 pennies! If true, these should turn out be quite rare and worth something extra!Two final points of clarity:(1) excepting the 1943 "steel" pennies, since all other years of U.S. pennies have retained at least some minimal copper content, we can not truly say that there are no copper pennies anymore; they all are "copper" pennies in the sense that they do have some copper, and that they retain at least some copper on the exterior (outside) surface so as to retain the "appearance" of copper pennies.(2) Since the original question does not specify who "they" means, if "they" refers to anyone other than the U.S., such as Canada, or Australia, or Great Britain, etc., we will leave that for some other time or some other contributor...
1943 silver wheat penny?
The 1943 wheat penny is unique because it was made of steel, not silver, due to the shortage of copper during World War II. However, there are a few rare instances where some copper pennies were mistakenly minted in 1943. These copper pennies are highly sought after by collectors and can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
What is created when a penny sits in a paper towel wrapped in vinegar?
Pennies get dull over time because the copper in the pennies slowly reacts with air to form copper oxide. Pure copper metal is bright and shiny, but the oxide is dull and greenish. When you place the pennies in the vinegar solution, the acetic acid from the vinegar dissolves the copper oxide, leaving behind shiny clean pennies.
Can you sell your pennies as copper by weight?
Well, you could... However, pennies are not pure copper. By the time the buyer would melt out the other metal, you probably would not get 1-cent for each penny. I mean, think about it...If copper pennies contained a lot of pure copper, everyone would be taking pick-up trucks full of pennies to sell as copper. But no one does, because it is not pure copper and has little value even after being melted. You'd be better off saving your pennies and buying yourself a CD -- at least the music would give you some enjoyment.
Why do pennies from the 1970's have a greater mass than pennies from the 1990's?
Because Lincoln cents until 1982 (Some 1982 cents are copper, others are zinc) were struck in 95% copper, starting in 1982 they are made of mostly zinc with a small plating of copper. Since copper has a greater mass than zinc they weigh more. Copper pennies are also worth more than zinc pennies, if it was legal to melt them down, you could get about 2 cents for every copper penny but only about half a cent in scrap for zinc pennies. However, at the time being it is illegal to melt down US pennies in the US or export them to be melted down.
When did the us stop making copper pennies?
They stopped making copper pennies in 1982. There are some 1982 pennies that are 95% copper and some that are not. 1983 pennies that are 95% exist but are rare and are collectors items.While the above statement would seem to be correct, it is, however, not completely true. The U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, or pennies with some copper content, except in 1943, when they were made of a low-grade carbon steel and coated with zinc (having a grey color); this change was due to the need for copper and brass during World War II. These 1943 wartime pennies are commonly referred to as "steel" pennies. They contain NO copper...More correctly, 1982 was the last mint year for 95% copper cents. Since mid-1982, the newest (current, as of 2012) composition for U.S. one-cent coins ("pennies") has an inner core alloy of 99.2% zinc with 0.8% copper, with the coin balance as an outer plating of pure copper, for a total coin composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. These current pennies are commonly called "zinc pennies", due to their heavy-majority zinc content, even though they do still contain some copper. The composition of U.S. pennies from mid-1864 to mid-1982 was an alloy of 95% copper with either 5% tin-and-zinc ("bronze" pennies) or 5% zinc ("brass" pennies). Before that, the composition was an alloy of 88% copper with 12% nickel from mid-1857 to mid-1864 (the only time any U.S. pennies ever contained nickel), and, initially, from 1793 to mid-1857, the first U.S. pennies were made of pure (100%) copper.Since the first U.S. one-cent coins in 1793, U.S. pennies have always contained at least some copper, except, again, in the singular case of the year 1943, the so-called "steel" pennies.Therefore, the most correct answer to the question is either:(1) the U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, except in 1943; or(2) 1943 is the only year the U.S. stopped making copper pennies, or any pennies with NO copper in them.Hope this helps!
Why are some pennies orange?
i think its something like the iron molocules in the air affect the copper in the pennies when the penny is exposed to air for a VERY long time
Is it worth collecting copper pennies?
It really depends on the kind of person you are. First off, you need to realize a few things:First, not all pennies are copper, pennies dated before 1982 are all copper, pennies dated 1983 and later are not copper and are only worth half a cent in value. 1982 dated pennies are a mix, some are copper and some are not copper.Secondly, you aren't going to see a huge return, each copper penny is worth about 2 cents or so.Thirdly, a box of pennies ($25 worth) can easily be bought at a bank, they generally average about 25% copper (some areas are more and some are less)Fourth, it is currently illegal to melt down pennies. You can't just take them to the scrap metal dealer. Laws may later be changed, but at this time, you have to sell them to someone who thinks the melt ban will be lifted soon. Because of this, you usually have to discount your coins. Even though they are worth 2 cents, since you can't melt them outright you might have to sell them at 1.5 cents.And lastly, copper pennies are heavy and take up a lot of room for their value.So ask yourself:Do you think that the laws will change in a short period of time to allow you to legally melt your copper to sell it at full price?Are the space costs worth it? Keep in mind that for every $25 (face value) in copper pennies you have, it weighs about 17 pounds.Is it worth the time? You will either have to manually look at every date in a box or invest in a Ryedale or similar sorter (which costs several hundred dollars).If you don't think that the laws will change and its not worth the space and your time, then don't hoard copper pennies. If you think the laws will change or you are ok selling them at a discount and can afford the time and space costs, then it would most likely be beneficial for you.
When did the stop making the copper pennies?
1982. Since then pennies have been mostly zinc with just a little copper.As the immediate above statement includes the word copper as part of the answer, which part is, in fact, true, then 1982 is not the answer to the question after all...If the "the(y)" part of the question above refers to the U.S., the U.S. government, or the U.S. Mint, then 1982 was the last mint year for 95% copper cents. Since mid-1982, the newest (current, as of 2012) composition for U.S. one-cent coins ("pennies") has an inner core alloy of 99.2% zinc with 0.8% copper, with the coin balance as an outer plating of pure copper, for a total coin composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. These current pennies are commonly called "zinc pennies". The composition of U.S. pennies from mid-1864 to mid-1982 was an alloy of 95% copper with either 5% tin-and-zinc ("bronze" pennies) or 5% zinc ("brass" pennies). Before that, the composition was an alloy of 88% copper with 12% nickel from mid-1857 to mid-1864 (the only time any pennies ever contained nickel), and, initially, from 1793 to mid-1857, the first U.S. pennies were made of pure (100%) copper.Since the first U.S. one-cent coins in 1793, U.S. pennies have always contained at least some copper, except for 1943, when they were made of a low-grade carbon steel and coated with zinc, having a grey color, due to the need for copper and brass during World War II. These are commonly referred to as "steel" pennies (they contain NO copper)...Therefore, the most correct answer to the question is either:(1) "they" (the U.S.) have never stopped making copper pennies, except in 1943; or(2) 1943 is the only year the U.S. stopped making copper pennies, or made pennies with NO copper in them.Hope this helps!
Can copper pennies be melted down?
It is illegal to melt down pennies or nickels at this time. Currently the penny is only made of 2.5% copper with the rest zinc. However, prior to 1982 pennies were predominately made of copper. A pre-1982 penny is currently worth about 2 cents.
What do copper pennies look like?
Copper pennies are a reddish-brown color with the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back. Over time, copper pennies may develop a greenish patina as they oxidize.
Why would the increase in the price of copper cause the mint to change the composition of pennies?
Because copper is the chief metal in a US penny. Actually, a penny has cost more to produce than it's face value for quite some time. They make it up in dimes and quarters.
Are 1965 pennies worth more than regular pennies in 2012?
Yes and no. Yes, they are technically worth about 2.2 cents in copper value (pre-1982 pennies are 95% copper, post-1982 pennies are mostly zinc and are worth about half a cent in zinc scrap) but they are illegal to melt down and as such you will have a hard time finding someone to buy them. 1965 pennies are not rare by any stretch and as such you should just spend it like any other penny. Unless the penny has an error (or you have a /lot/ of copper cents to sell to someone, or if the penny is in mint packaging) if it has a memorial on the back of the coin, simply spend it.
What happens to copper if it is left in water for a long period of time?
It turns blue.
