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All US cents contain at least some copper, except for 1943 when they were made of zinc-plated steel due to metal shortages during WWII.
- Lincoln cents minted before mid-1982 are 95% copper, while those minted after that are only 2.5% copper-plated.
- Indian head cents minted from mid-1864 to 1909 are also 95% copper.
- Flying eagle cents and Indian head cents made up till mid-1864 are 88% copper.
- Large cents are 100% copper; these are the only pure-copper "pennies" ever minted by the US.
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Why were silver pennies issued in 1942?
they werent silver. they are refered to as steel pennies, and they were issued for several years during the war because the government need the copper for ammunition and other war related things, so they quit making pennies from copper
How much copper is in 100 cents?
Copper pennies only have an external copper gilding. The US mint went to a copper coated zinc alloy many years ago.
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 value of a silver penny1941?
American pennies have been copper in every year except 1943, when copper was scarce and pennies were made of steel. These days, pennies are more zinc than copper.
Are us penney coins pure copper?
No, pre-1982 pennies are 95% copper and post-1982 pennies are made out of mostly zinc with a thing copper coating
