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1982. before that, a penny was made up by 95% copper (Cu) and 5% zinc (Zn) and/or tin (Sn).

A penny made after mid-1982 is 2.5% Cu and 97.5% Zn!

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When did the us stop making copper pennies?

They stopped making copper pennies in 1982. There are some 1982 pennies that are 95% copper and some that are not. 1983 pennies that are 95% exist but are rare and are collectors items.While the above statement would seem to be correct, it is, however, not completely true. The U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, or pennies with some copper content, except in 1943, when they were made of a low-grade carbon steel and coated with zinc (having a grey color); this change was due to the need for copper and brass during World War II. These 1943 wartime pennies are commonly referred to as "steel" pennies. They contain NO copper...More correctly, 1982 was the last mint year for 95% copper cents. Since mid-1982, the newest (current, as of 2012) 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", due to their heavy-majority zinc content, even though they do still contain some copper. 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 U.S. pennies ever contained nickel), and, initially, from 1793 to mid-1857, the first U.S. pennies were made of pure (100%) copper.Since the first U.S. one-cent coins in 1793, U.S. pennies have always contained at least some copper, except, again, in the singular case of the year 1943, the so-called "steel" pennies.Therefore, the most correct answer to the question is either:(1) the U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, except in 1943; or(2) 1943 is the only year the U.S. stopped making copper pennies, or any pennies with NO copper in them.Hope this helps!


When did the mint switch from making pennies out of copper to making pennies out of zinc?

This change happened in 1974. See the related question below for more information.


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.


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


How much do a 1961 penny cost?

About 2 cents due to copper content, though pennies that old sometimes turn up in circulation.

Related Questions

What pennies have more copper content?

Pennies minted before 1982 have a higher copper content, with 95% copper and 5% zinc. Pennies minted from 1982 to present have a copper-plated zinc core composition, with 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.


What is the percentage of copper are in pennies before 1980?

The copper content of pennies before 1980 was 95% copper and 5% zinc. The percentages changed in 1982 to a lesser copper amount.


Why do quarters conduct electricity better than pennies?

Quarters are made of a combination of nickel and copper, which are better conductors of electricity than the zinc core in pennies. The higher metallic content in quarters allows for more efficient flow of electric current compared to the lower metal content in pennies.


What were pennies made of after 1983?

Starting mid-year in 1982, pennies were made with a zinc core and copper plating. This would give them a 97.5% zinc content and 2.5% copper content.


What is the metal content of 2008 Canadian pennies?

94% steel, 1.5% nickel, 4.5% copper


Are pennies flammable?

Yes, pennies are flammable due to their copper content. When exposed to high heat, pennies can ignite and burn. However, it is important to note that intentionally burning pennies is unsafe and can release harmful fumes.


Do new pennies still have copper in them?

pennies these days are not completely made of copper they are just dipped in copper giving them that finished look


Are copper pennies valuable?

For metal content, or melt value, copper pennies (pre-1982) are worth about 2 cents each. As far as collector value, that depends more on specific dates, mint marks, and condition.


When did the us stop making copper pennies?

They stopped making copper pennies in 1982. There are some 1982 pennies that are 95% copper and some that are not. 1983 pennies that are 95% exist but are rare and are collectors items.While the above statement would seem to be correct, it is, however, not completely true. The U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, or pennies with some copper content, except in 1943, when they were made of a low-grade carbon steel and coated with zinc (having a grey color); this change was due to the need for copper and brass during World War II. These 1943 wartime pennies are commonly referred to as "steel" pennies. They contain NO copper...More correctly, 1982 was the last mint year for 95% copper cents. Since mid-1982, the newest (current, as of 2012) 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", due to their heavy-majority zinc content, even though they do still contain some copper. 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 U.S. pennies ever contained nickel), and, initially, from 1793 to mid-1857, the first U.S. pennies were made of pure (100%) copper.Since the first U.S. one-cent coins in 1793, U.S. pennies have always contained at least some copper, except, again, in the singular case of the year 1943, the so-called "steel" pennies.Therefore, the most correct answer to the question is either:(1) the U.S. has never stopped making copper pennies, except in 1943; or(2) 1943 is the only year the U.S. stopped making copper pennies, or any pennies with NO copper in them.Hope this helps!


Does a penny have gold?

No, pennies do not contain gold. Modern pennies are mostly zinc with a little copper, older pennies are mostly copper with a little zinc.


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.


What is the importance of copper?

copper is important because it makes pennies and pennies are good