All questions / Coins, bills and stamps

Are copper pennies worth anything?

Pennies made before 1982 are mostly copper; 1982 pennies exist in both copper and zinc. Ordinary copper pennies are usually sold in bulk for a little over face value.

When people search for this

Try the penny decoder: type the year and mint mark of your penny.

What to look for

Check what applies to yours:

• Pennies dated before 1982 are about 95 percent copper.
• 1982 pennies come in two versions: copper weighs about 3.1 grams, zinc about 2.5 grams.
• Errors and scarce dates matter far more than the copper.

Before you sell

• Compare with items that actually sold, not only with asking prices.
• Take clear photos in daylight: front, back, marks and any damage.
• Do not clean coins, and do not repaint or polish old items: it often lowers the value.
• For anything that might be valuable, get an opinion from a certified appraiser or a specialist dealer.