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US Pennies were made of 95% copper (with the exception of the 1943 steel cent) from 1864-1982. Midway through 1982, the cent switched to copper plated zinc. So any penny dated 1983-present is just copper plated zinc. However a coin dated 1982 could either be 95% copper or copper plated zinc. A copper coin should weigh about 3.11 grams while the zinc pennies are lighter at about 2.5 grams.

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12y ago

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Why did the us stop making pennies out of copper?

Due to the rising price of copper, pennies were worth more than face value.


When did they stop making pure copper pennies?

Pennies were never PURE copper. Those made before 1982 were 95% copper with 5% zinc (or zinc with tin in older ones).


What year during world war 2 did they stop making copper pennies?

1943-45


When did pennies stop being all copper?

1860 The last copper pennies were made in England, and the same year the first bronze pennies were made.


Why did the pennies stop being made of copper?

copper is too expensive and limited.


What are the most important uses of copper?

Making pennies!


When did they stop making solid copper pennies?

Solid copper pennies were last minted in 1857 and were much larger than today's penny. Pennies were made mostly of copper until mid-1982, when the composition was changed to 97.5% zinc with a plating of 2.5% copper. The only exception was in 1943 when wartime copper shortages forced the Mint to make pennies out of scrap steel. Bronze cents were resumed the next year, 1944.


When did the us stop making full cooper pennies?

The United States stopped producing full copper pennies in 1982. Prior to that year, the pennies were made of 95% copper and 5% zinc. Starting in 1982, the composition changed to 97.5% zinc and only 2.5% copper, resulting in a much lighter coin. This change was primarily due to rising copper prices.


What day and year did they stop making pennies?

they still make pennies


Why did the US stop using copper pennies and start using zinc pennies?

The price of the copper used to make a penny cost more than a penny.


When they stop making wheat pennies?

The last year for wheat pennies was 1958.


When did U.S. pennies stop being all copper?

1857, unless you're referring to Lincoln pennies, which were only 95% copper until 1982 when they were changed to zinc.