What a pre-1982 copper penny is worth in metal
Loading live price… · Copper spot …
Metal value shown for reference only. Melting U.S. cents for their metal is prohibited under 31 CFR Part 82.
| Copper years | 1909 through 1982 (95% copper) |
| 1943 | Zinc-coated steel, 2.70 g, sticks to a magnet |
| 1982 | Made in both copper (3.11 g) and zinc (2.50 g) |
| 1983 and later | Copper-plated zinc, 2.50 g |
Lincoln cents dated 1909 through 1982 are 95% copper (except the 1943 steel cent). In 1982 the Mint switched to copper-plated zinc, so 1982 cents come in both versions. Weigh them to tell: copper is 3.11 g, zinc is 2.50 g.
Important: melting U.S. pennies and nickels for their metal value is prohibited under 31 CFR Part 82 (with narrow exceptions such as jewelry and novelty use), and exporting them is restricted. This page shows the copper value for reference only.
The U.S. Mint struck its final pennies for circulation in November 2025. It still makes collector cents, and pennies remain legal tender. The news has a lot of people taking a second look at their penny jars.
Condition and rarity can make some coins worth far more than their metal. Here are the ones collectors look for:
Mintages from PCGS CoinFacts and other standard references. Collector values depend on exact date, mint mark and grade, so check a current price guide, or ask us in our Discord.
Yes. Cents from 1909 through 1982 are 95% copper, except 1943 steel cents. 1982 cents were made in both copper and zinc.
Not for their metal value. Federal regulation 31 CFR Part 82 prohibits melting U.S. one-cent and five-cent coins, with narrow exceptions such as jewelry or novelty use. 1942–1945 silver war nickels are exempt.
Weigh it. Copper cents weigh 3.11 grams and zinc cents weigh 2.50 grams.
Specs verified October 2026 against: PCGS CoinFacts · 31 CFR Part 82 (eCFR) · U.S. Mint coin specifications (clad coins). Live prices from gold-api.com, refreshed every minute.
