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1982. before that, a penny was made up by 95% copper (Cu) and 5% zinc (Zn) and/or tin (Sn).
A penny made after mid-1982 is 2.5% Cu and 97.5% Zn!
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∙ 12y ago
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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 mint switch from making pennies out of copper to making pennies out of zinc?
This change happened in 1974. See the related question below for more information.
How much do a 1961 penny cost?
About 2 cents due to copper content, though pennies that old sometimes turn up in circulation.
Are there any 1943 copper pennies still out there?
yes I have 1 1943 copper pennies, but if you find one make sure it is not a 1948 with the 8 cut down and yes its a copper pennies
What is the last year for true copper content of pennys?
The switch was made in 1982. Some pennies that year are copper, and others are zinc. If you can't tell the difference, then use 1981 for the last year.
What is the percentage of copper are in pennies before 1980?
Pennies minted before 1982 are composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc.
What were pennies made of after 1983?
Starting mid-year in 1982, pennies were made with a zinc core and copper plating. This would give them a 97.5% zinc content and 2.5% copper content.
What pennies have more copper content?
Large cents produced from 1793 thru 1857.
When did the composition of the pennies change?
In 1992, UK pennies switched from bronze, to copper-plated steel.
What is the metal content of 2008 Canadian pennies?
94% steel, 1.5% nickel, 4.5% copper
Are copper pennies valuable?
For metal content, or melt value, copper pennies (pre-1982) are worth about 2 cents each. As far as collector value, that depends more on specific dates, mint marks, and condition.
When 12 copper pennies are submerged in water the pennies displace 4.13 cm3 of water If the combined mass of the pennies is 36.93 g what is the density of copper?
You cant't figure this out using copper pennies. Pennies are not 100% copper.
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!
Can you sell your 1964 pennies?
You can, but they're not worth very much. They're only worth about 2 cents for their copper content.
Does a penny have gold?
No, pennies do not contain gold. Modern pennies are mostly zinc with a little copper, older pennies are mostly copper with a little zinc.
What is the importance of copper?
copper is important because it makes pennies and pennies are good
How many copper pennies equal a pound?
240 copper pennies equal a pound.
