The coin is 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) in diameter and 0.0598 inches (1.52 mm) in thickness. The current copper-plated zinc cent issued since 1982 weighs 2.5 grams, while the previous 95% copper cent still found in circulation weighed 3.11 g (see further below).
How can you tell if a 1982 Penny is copper or zinc?
For pennies dated 1982, it could be either zinc or copper. The simplest way to tell without using machinery is to weigh your penny with a scale that reads to the tenth of a gram. A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams while a zinc penny ways 2.5 grams. Though keep in mind, circulated coins do gather dirt, corrosion, etc.
Why are some pennies heavier than others?
Upon changing the composite from solid copper to the zinc and copper alloy, so too did the weight of the coins themselves. Prior to 1982, a penny made entirely of copper was significantly heavier than the zinc and copper alloy counterparts.
Why did the cent's composition change in 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 cents used the 97.5% zinc composition, while others used the 95% copper composition.
What are the different types of 1982 pennies?
1982 P & D Large and Small Dates Information about the seven different Lincoln cent varieties including copper, zinc, large and small dates from 1982. The 1982 cents The 7 Business Strike Varieties: 1982 Large Date Copper 1982 Large Date Copper plated Zinc
What is the coin called that is one cent?
Why should the cent be eliminated?
Why was the penny changed in 1982?
What is a cent?
How do bronze and copper cents differ from zinc cents?
What metals were used in the 1970s?
How much is a penny?
See 4 more
About this website
Did the size of a penny change?
America's first one-cent piece, called the "large cent," was first struck in 1793, one year after the Mint opened. It was so big that it was hard to use, but it wasn't replaced by a smaller penny until 1857, more than 50 years later.
Are new pennies smaller?
The new penny looked identical to the previous coins but it was cheaper to produce. While the new penny was the exact same size as the old one, it weighed less because zinc is slightly less dense than copper.
Are all pennies the same size?
The older ones are the same size as the newer ones, so they look the same. The only way to establish whether the chemical composition of the different groups of pennies is the same or different is to determine the mass (weight) of each group. Different metals have different densities.
When did pennies get smaller?
Liberty stayed on the penny for more than 60 years. In 1857, the coin got smaller and the metal composition changed to 88% copper and 12% nickel. With these changes came new designs. In 1857 and 1858 the new coins featured a flying eagle on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse.
Why is a 1982 penny worth $10000?
So for the past 30 years, pennies have been made with an alloy comprised of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, but pennies minted before 1982 are 95% copper and 5% zinc. The price of copper has more than quadrupled over the past 10 years.
When did the weight of a penny change?
1983In 1983 the composition of pennies in the United States was changed due, in part, to the rising cost of copper. Pennies minted after 1983 weigh 2.50 grams while the earlier copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams.
Why are pennies different sizes?
As far as size is concerned, the new coins were designed to be different from other coins already in existence. Such a design would allow them to be recognized easily. Designers did a fine job, since it's easy to distinguish pennies and nickels from dimes and quarters!
What is the actual size of a penny?
Coin SpecificationsDenominationCentDollarDiameter0.750 in. 19.05 mm1.043 in. 26.49 mmThickness1.52 mm2.00 mmEdgePlainEdge-LetteringNo. of ReedsN/AN/A2 more rows•Apr 28, 2022
How do you know if you have a wide penny?
Close AM / Wide AM. Lincoln Memorial cents feature the word AMERICA on the reverse. The Close or Wide AM refers to the distance between the A and the M in AMERICA on struck coins. When the A and the M are a normal distance apart as compared to the other letters in AMERICA this is known as a Wide AM.
When did they stop making large pennies?
The first official mintage of the large cent was in 1793, and its production continued until 1857, when it was officially replaced by the modern-size one-cent coin (commonly called the penny).
What makes a 1983 D penny rare?
The 1983-D copper planchet cents are destined to remain quite rare as the change from the old tenor copper (also known as bronze or brass) planchets to the new 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper planchets occurred in October of 1982 at the Denver Mint, at least two months before 1983-D cents were struck.
What is special about a 2009 penny?
In 2009, the U.S. Mint made four special penny designs to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. It was also the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln penny, which the Mint first made in 1909. The image of Lincoln remained on the obverse (heads) of all four cents in the new program.
Whats the difference between old and new pennies?
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.
Why are pennies different sizes?
As far as size is concerned, the new coins were designed to be different from other coins already in existence. Such a design would allow them to be recognized easily. Designers did a fine job, since it's easy to distinguish pennies and nickels from dimes and quarters!
When did they stop making large pennies?
The first official mintage of the large cent was in 1793, and its production continued until 1857, when it was officially replaced by the modern-size one-cent coin (commonly called the penny).
Why are older pennies thicker?
Upon changing the composite from solid copper to the zinc and copper alloy, so to did the weigh of the coins themselves. Prior to 1982, a penny made completely of copper was significantly heavier than the zinc and copper alloy counterparts.
How long did the Liberty penny last?
Liberty stayed on the penny for more than 60 years. In 1857, the coin got smaller and the metal composition changed to 88% copper and 12% nickel. With these changes came new designs. In 1857 and 1858 the new coins featured a flying eagle on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse.
What does the shield on the reverse of a penny represent?
The shield on the reverse (tails) represents Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single country. The penny was one of the first coins made by the U.S. Mint after its establishment in 1792. The design on the first penny was of a woman with flowing hair symbolizing liberty.
What is the Union Shield?
The “Union Shield” theme is the current design of the U.S. one-cent coin. The U.S. Mint first issued this design in 2010. The obverse (heads) shows the image of President Abraham Lincoln used on the penny since 1909. The shield on the reverse (tails) represents Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single country.
Why were pennies made of zinc?
Unusual Pennies: In 1943, pennies were made of zinc-coated steel because copper was needed during World War II. At the beginning of 1943, a limited number of copper pennies were struck by mistake.
Who designed the Lincoln Memorial?
From 1959 to 2008, the reverse was an image of the Lincoln Memorial designed by Frank Gasparro to commemorate Lincoln’s 150th birthday. In 2009, the Mint issued four different pennies throughout the year as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Program.
Who designed the Indian head?
The “Indian Head” design appeared from 1859 to 1909. In 1909, Abraham Lincoln became the first president featured on our coins in honor of his 100th birthday. The Lincoln penny obverse showed the image of Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner that is still used today.
What does a coin represent?
Coins represent a part of our culture, history, and just reflect the eras in which they were struck. Whether they were produced purely of copper or are a modern-day copper alloy coated zinc base, we love one cent coins and desire them if not for their presence in our coin collections.
What are coins made of?
Historically, coins have been created from metals reflecting their value. Just as gold coins reflect a higher face value, pennies, or one cent coins, reflect their metal value. However, in 1982, the United States Treasury anticipated an increase in the price of copper, which opened the door for a new coin composition.
Where are Bellevue coins located?
Since 1979, Bellevue Rare Coins has been a trusted, family-owned business serving the Greater Seattle Area with locations in Bellevue, Lynnwood, Issaquah, and West Seattle. Specializing in gold, silver, diamond, and jewelry purchasing, in addition to dealing in rare coins. We now offer a vast selection of fine, vintage and custom designed jewelry. Visit anyone of our four friendly locations for the best deals selling or buying.
Is a penny made of copper?
Upon changing the composite from solid copper to the zinc and copper alloy, so too did the weight of the coins themselves. Prior to 1982, a penny made entirely of copper was significantly heavier than the zinc and copper alloy counterparts.
What are coins made of?
Historically, coins have been created from metals reflecting their value. Just as gold coins reflect a higher face value, pennies, or one cent coins, reflect their metal value. However in 1982, the United States Treasury anticipated an increase of the price of copper, which opened the door for a new coin composition.
Is a copper penny a solid copper?
The once solid copper coin is now comprised of a solid zinc base that's coated in a copper alloy. Changing the composite from solid copper to a zinc and copper alloy also changed the weight of the coin itself. Pennies made prior to 1982 are composed completely of copper and are significantly heavier than their zinc and copper alloy counterparts of today. Imagine carrying a pocket full of copper pennies amongst other gold and silver coins all day while strolling through town and you'll appreciate today’s standards, if only for the convenience of weight.
Where are Bellevue coins located?
Since 1979, Bellevue Rare Coins has been a trusted, family-owned business serving the Greater Seattle Area with locations in Bellevue, Lynnwood, Issaquah, and West Seattle. Specializing in gold, silver, diamond, and jewelry purchasing, in addition to dealing in rare coins. We now offer a vast selection of fine, vintage and custom designed jewelry. Visit anyone of our four friendly locations for the best deals selling or buying.
Do Americans collect coins?
Still, no one can de ny the fact that Americans love to collect coins. Coins represent a part of our culture and history, reflecting the eras in which they were struck. Whether they were produced purely of copper or are a modern day copper-alloy-coated zinc base, pennies are a beloved presence in our coin collections.
What was the 1943 penny made of?
In 1943, copper was heavily in demand to be used in war materials for World War II. Because of this, the 1943 penny was made of steel. There was a small amount of error pennies minted of copper in 1943. If you have a 1983 copper penny or 1943 copper penny, that could potentially be a rare and valuable find! We sort pennies into zinc pennies ...
How to tell if a penny is copper?
How to tell if your penny is copper. There are several ways to tell if your penny is zinc or copper. First and most easily, if your penny is dated 1983 or later, it is zinc. For pennies dated 1982, it could be either zinc or copper. The simplest way to tell without using machinery is to weigh your penny with a scale that reads to the tenth ...
Is a penny a copper penny?
In general, if your penny is dated 1959 to 1981 (with the exception of 1943 ), you can rest assured your penny is a copper penny. There are rare exceptions to the above for telling if your penny is zinc or copper. The U.S. mint had minted a small amount of error copper pennies in 1983.
Why did the mint get away from copper?
The mint was especially. happy to get away from copper because the public tended to hoard cents when copper prices. were up. 1982 was chosen as the transition year to put this change into effect, and many millions of. solid copper and copper-coated zinc cents were produced in 1982 so as to discourage saving.
How much does a copper cent weigh?
The small date "2" has a delicate base with a slow curve at it's base. Thirdly, the solid copper cents weigh approximately 3 grams, while the copper-coated zinc. ones weigh 2.5 grams. For this you would need a scale to weigh the difference.
When were copper and zinc cents made?
solid copper and copper-coated zinc cents were produced in 1982 so as to discourage saving
What is the job of the mint?
and disavows all varieties, even if collectors see the obvious. The mint's job is to keep coins
How many different types of Lincoln cents are there?
Information about the seven different Lincoln cent varieties including copper, zinc, large and small dates from 1982.
When is zinc dated?
zinc dated after 1982). The rod must be place in a spot that makes the depressor go up. when a copper coin is placed on the end, and say put when a zinc coin is placed on the end. See Below: Once you have calibrated the scale, use the glue to attached the wooden rod.
What is the word used to describe cents?
to describe our cents. I will use the word "copper". Remember, all cents before 1982 are
What is the coin called that is one cent?
The U.S. Mint 's official name for the coin is " cent " and the U.S. Treasury's official name is "one cent piece". The colloquial term penny derives from the British coin of the same name, which occupies a similar place in the British system. Pennies is the plural form (not to be confused with pence, which refers to the unit of currency ).
Why should the cent be eliminated?
It has been suggested that the cent should be eliminated as a unit of currency for several reasons including that many Americans do not actually spend them, but rather only receive them in change at stores and proceed to return them to a bank for higher denomination currencies, or cash them in at coin counting kiosks. Most modern vending machines do not accept pennies, further diminishing their utility, and the production cost (figured in U.S. Dollars) now exceeds the face value of the coin, caused by increasing inflation. In 2001 and 2006, for example, United States Representative Jim Kolbe (R) of Arizona introduced bills which would have stopped production of pennies (in 2001, the Legal Tender Modernization Act, and in 2006, the Currency Overhaul for an Industrious Nation [COIN] Act).
Why was the penny changed in 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. With the exception of 2009 bicentennial cents minted specifically for collectors, United States cents minted after 1982 have been zinc ...
What is a cent?
The United States one-cent coin (symbol: ¢ ), often called the " penny ", is a unit of currency equaling one one-hundredth of a United States dollar. It has been the lowest face-value physical unit of U.S. currency since the abolition of the half-cent in 1857 (the abstract mill, which has never been minted, equal to a tenth of a cent, continues to see limited use in the fields of taxation and finance ). The first U.S. cent was produced in 1787, and the cent has been issued primarily as a copper or copper-plated coin throughout its history. Its obverse has featured the profile of President Abraham Lincoln since 1909, the centennial of his birth. From 1959 (the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth) to 2008, the reverse featured the Lincoln Memorial. Four different reverse designs in 2009 honored Lincoln's 200th birthday and a new, "permanent" reverse – the Union Shield – was introduced in 2010. The coin is 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) in diameter and 0.0598 inches (1.52 mm) in thickness. Its weight has varied, depending upon the composition of metals used in its production (see further below).
How do bronze and copper cents differ from zinc cents?
The bronze and copper cents can be distinguished from the newer zinc cents by dropping the coins on a solid surface. The predominantly zinc coins make a lower-pitched "clunk", while the copper coins produce a higher-pitched ringing sound. In addition, a full 50-cent roll of pre-1982/3 coins weighs 5.4 oz (150 g) compared to a post-1982–83 roll which weighs 4.4 oz (120 g).
What metals were used in the 1970s?
This led the Mint to test alternative metals, including aluminum and bronze -clad steel. Aluminum was chosen, and over 1.5 million samples of the 1974 aluminum cent were struck before ultimately being rejected; explained further in link 1974 aluminum cent .
How much is a penny?
The United States one-cent coin (symbol: ¢ ), often called the "penny", is a unit of currency equaling one one-hundredth of a United States dollar . It has been the lowest face-value physical unit of U.S. currency since the abolition of the half-cent in 1857 (the abstract mill, which has never been minted, equal to a tenth of a cent, ...
Overview
History of composition
The composition of the penny has varied over time:
The isotope composition of early coins spanning the period 1828 to 1843 reflects the copper from Cornish ores from England, while coins after 1850 reflect the Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan ores, a finding consistent with historical records.
In 1943, at the peak of World War II, zinc-coated steel cents were made for a short time because …
Designs
The coin has gone through several designs over its two-hundred-year time frame. Until 1857 it was about the size of the current U.S. dollar coins (Susan B. Anthony through present dollars). Shown below are the different cent designs that have been produced; mintage figures can be found at United States cent mintage figures.
Large cents:
Lincoln cent
• A 1937 Wheat cent
• Lincoln cent with cameo effect, obverse
• Obverse side of a cent after 17 years of circulation
The Lincoln cent is the current one-cent coin of the U.S. It was adopted in 190…
Production issues
It has been suggested that the cent should be eliminated as a unit of currency for several reasons including that many Americans do not actually spend them, but rather only receive them in change at stores and proceed to return them to a bank for higher denomination currencies, or cash them in at coin counting kiosks. Most modern vending machines do not accept pennies, further diminishing their utility, and the production cost (figured in U.S. Dollars) now exceeds the face v…
See also
• 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
• 1943 steel cent
• 1955 doubled-die cent
• 1974 aluminum cent
• Large cent (United States coin)
External links
• "Penny Foolish", by David Margolick, The New York Times, February 11, 2007 – a brief popular history of the penny.
• Man tries to get rid of million pennies, USA Today, 7/1/2004
• Examination of claim that "A U.S. penny costs more than a cent to manufacture" on Snopes.