They were made of 95% copper until 1982. During 1982 the composition was changed to 97.5% zinc, with a thin copper plating, so that you have pennies dated 1982 made of both metal types. From 1983 until today, all U.S. pennies are made of mostly zinc.
Why did the US Mint change the color of the Penny?
Copper is an essential metal in the manufacturing of ammunition. In order to save copper for the war effort, the United States Mint under the authority from Congress began making pennies from steel with a thin coating of zinc. This gave the penny a silver color instead of the normal orange/brown copper color.
Where was the 1979 Lincoln Memorial Penny made?
A 1979 Lincoln Memorial penny minted at the Philadelphia Mint in uncirculated condition. The United States Mint made the Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Bicentennial, and Lincoln Union Shield pennies from 1959 through today.
Why was the silver Lincoln Penny made out of steel?
If the penny has a silver color, it is made out of steel with a zinc coating to make it look nicer and protect it from rusting. They are fairly common in nice condition since people tended to save them when they were first issued because they were unusual.
How can I find out how much my Penny is worth?
To find out how much your U.S. penny is worth, we first need to determine its type. The U.S. has made two major types of pennies, the Large Cent, and the Small Cent.
What’s the value of a Lincoln Memorial Penny?
From 1983 until today, all U.S. pennies are made of mostly zinc. Most Lincoln Memorial Pennies are only worth face value unless they have their original copper luster from the Mint. In 2009, the U.S. Mint issued a unique commemorative set of four pennies to celebrate the 100th anniversary of President Lincoln’s birth and the Lincoln cent design.
What kind of copper is a wheat penny made of?
Wheat Pennies are dated from 1909 to 1958 and have a portrait of Lincoln on one side, and a wreath-like design of wheat heads on the other. Sometimes called “Lincoln Cents” (without mentioning the Memorial as described below,) they are made of almost pure copper (95%) except for one year, the 1943 penny,…
