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The US made pennies of copper (95%) in 1941 and 1942, and partially from old shell casings in 1944 and 1945 (so the copper content may have been slightly lower in those years). Only in 1943 were pennies made of steel (with a zinc coating) in an effort to save copper for use in the war effort.

Probably because they needed copper for the World War 2 effort.

ww2 the need for wiring in the military Short answer: The US was using all the coper for munitions used for WWII. copper was required for the war effort i.e. to make electrical cables

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Why would the increase in the price of copper cause the mint to change the composition of pennies?

An increase in the price of copper makes producing pennies more expensive. The mint may change the composition of pennies to a cheaper material to reduce production costs and maintain profitability. By using a different material, such as zinc, the mint can continue to meet demand for pennies without being significantly impacted by the rise in copper prices.


What happens when copper pennies are soaked in vinegar?

The surface of the copper on the pennies are most likely cleaned, because vinegar is too weak of an acid to do anything else. If you were to put a scratched penny into hydrochloric acid would be a different story. The inside zinc of a post 1982 penny would react with the chlorine in the hydrochloric acid and change to an aqueous state, leaving behind the copper plating. So if you want an answer based on vinegar : nothing besides the penny getting its surface cleaned.


Do pennies pollute?

Yes, pennies can contribute to pollution. They are made of copper-coated zinc, which can cause water pollution if not disposed of properly. Additionally, the production and transportation of pennies can contribute to carbon emissions, which contribute to air pollution.


Is a copper penny turning green a chemical change?

You can also turn pennies and some other coins green by letting them sit overnight in a paper towel soaked in vinegar. and if you want to clan pennies to shine, put them in a cup of vinegar and salt dissolved. (I once tried cleaning them with a pinch of kosher salt instead and it dug a hole through the penny! -NOT RECOMENDED!!!)


Do pennies in soil effect plant growth?

No, pennies do not impact plant growth when buried in soil. The copper content in pennies is minimal and not at levels that would harm plants. In fact, the zinc coating on newer pennies may even benefit plants in small quantities.

Related Questions

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.