1997 was they year that they went to 98.4% zinc, 1858-1996 was 95%-98% copper.
Due to the rising price of copper, pennies were worth more than face value.
Yes, in May 2012.
Pennies were never PURE copper. Those made before 1982 were 95% copper with 5% zinc (or zinc with tin in older ones).
Canada stopped producing pennies in 2012 due to the rising cost of production and declining usage of the coin.
1943-45
1860 The last copper pennies were made in England, and the same year the first bronze pennies were made.
copper is too expensive and limited.
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.
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.
they still make pennies
The price of the copper used to make a penny cost more than a penny.
The last year for wheat pennies was 1958.