What was in pennies before 1982?
The composition of pennies changed in late 1982, when zinc became the primary metal instead of copper. Before 1982, pennies were forged of 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc. However, as copper became more expensive, it was abandoned as the primary metal. Pennies are now made of a zinc core and a thin copper coating.
Are pennies before 1981 worth anything?
The current copper melt value for each penny is about $0.02. These coins can only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition. The 1981 penny with no mint mark and the 1981 D penny are each worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade.
What is the difference between pre and post-1982 pennies?
Pre-1982 pennies contain a much greater percentage of copper. Post-1982 pennies are mostly zinc. Copper and zinc atoms make brass and looks like gold.
Can you determine if a penny was minted before 1982?
If your Lincoln Memorial penny has a date before 1982, it is made of 95% copper. If the date is 1983 or later, it is made of 97.5% zinc and plated with a thin copper coating. For pennies dated 1982, when both copper and zinc cents were made, and best way to determine their composition is to weigh them.
When did US pennies stop being copper?
1982
The alloy remained 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc until 1982, when the composition was changed to 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper (copper-plated zinc). Cents of both compositions appeared in that year. The penny’s original design was suggested by Ben Franklin.
Why did the composition of pennies change after 1982?
The cent’s composition was changed in 1982 because the value of the copper in the coin started to rise above one cent. Some 1982 pennies used the 97.5% zinc composition, while others used the 95% copper composition.
Are pre or post 1982 pennies denser?
A post-1982 penny has a mass of 2.5 grams, while the pre- 1982 pennies have a mass of 3.1 grams. 1982 pennies may have either mass. Since all pen- nies have an identical volume, a greater mass indicates a greater density. Copper is denser than zinc.
What is the most valuable 1982 penny?
Which 1982 Penny Is Worth The Most? The most valuable 1982 penny is a transitional error caused by the move from 95% copper to 99.2% zinc composition. It’s the 1982-D “small date” Lincoln Memorial cent made from copper.
When did they start making pennies out of zinc?
In 1943, copper was needed for war materials, so pennies were made out of zinc-coated steel. Because the color was silvery, it was easy to mistake a penny for a dime. Fortunately, pennies were only made that way for one year.