What are Pennies Made of?

Pennies or “one-cent coins” are the smallest denomination of coins in circulation in the United States. According to the US Mint, in 1861-1864, the cent was typically made of bronze, a copper-tin alloy. Since 1982, pennies have been composed of 98.5% zinc and only 2.5% copper. The zinc core is coated with a thin layer of pure copper to give it a more attractive finish. Knowing what the penny is made of is important for determining the value of the coin and its potential worth.

Why Zinc and Copper?

The US Mint chose to make penny coins from zinc and copper for several reasons. Zinc is non-corrosive and is resistant to outside elements that can damage metal coins. It also costs far less to produce than solid copper coins, making it a much more manageable option for currency production. Additionally, copper has a much more attractive finish than zinc, so the copper outer shell gives the coins a more desirable appearance. While the copper shell is relatively thin, it still gives the coins enough of a shiny look that they don’t appear dull and unappealing.

What Else Is Used During Production?

Other materials are used to produce a penny as well. For example, the US Mint utilizes a flat steel strip as the base material for making coins. Pennies are precisely cut using special machines, which form a blank planchet that looks like a large, round disc. Next, the Mint stamps out the design on the planchet. Once the design is applied, the coins are sent through a chemical bath to give them a protective finish and brighten the copper surface.

In conclusion, pennies are made of zinc and copper. The zinc core gives the penny improved durability and resistance to corrosion, while the pure copper coating of the coin gives it a more attractive finish. Pennies also have a steel strip at the core, so that it can be suitably cut, stamped and coated. Now that you know what pennies are made of, you can better understand their value and why they continue to be a part of daily life.