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If "they" in the question refers to the U.S., the U.S. government, or the U.S. Mint, then 1982 was the last mint year for 95% copper Lincoln cents. Since mid-1982, the newest (current, as of 2012) formulation or 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 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.

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.

Hope this helps!

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12y ago

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