Pennies
The penny or once-cent coin is the lowest denomination of the United States's currency. The most recent version of the penny is the Lincoln cent. The Lincoln penny was made of 95% copper, 5% zinc from 1959 until 1985. Since 1985 it has been minted with 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper. It's basically a zinc core with a 'very' thin copper jacket.
Some metal heads (those who are into semi precious and precious metals) collect pennies older than 1986 and sell them in bulk, as the metal melt value is worth almost 3x the face value. It's illegal to melt these coins down however. If it weren't we probably wouldn't have any pennies older than 1986 in circulation. In fact a rough average of metal value for a $25 box of pennies is $35 = $45. I personally would spend $25 to make $35 all day long wouldn't you :). To bad we can't sell them as scrap.
A penny is a coin (pl. Pennies) or a unit of currency (pl. Pence) in various countries. Borrowed from the Carolingian denarius (hence its former abbreviation d.), it is usually the smallest denomination within a currency system. N, pl pennies or pence (pɛns) pl pennies 1. (Currencies) Also called (formerly): new penny (in Britain) a bronze coin having a value equal to one hundredth of a pound.
Were in the process of detailing all the Lincoln Pennies from 1959 to 2021 and are hoping to have them done by the end of August at the latest. We have tons of user submitted photos, and have to edit those down too. So hang on and be sure to bookmark our page (Ctrl+D) and tell your friends.
All US Pennies 1859 to 2021
The wheat penny is a classic iconic early 21st century American coin with a face value of 1 cent that was minted from 1909 to 1956.
On a personal note we just love searching penny rolls for wheat and indian head pennies. Wheat pennies are still readily found in circulation and because of the relative price of just $25 for a box of these coins, they are cheap and will keep the coin roll searcher on his or her toes.
The Wheat Penny is also known by colelctors as the Wheat Cent. The coin is made out of mostly copper, but steel versions of the coin were issued during World War II.
In 1909 there were V.D.B. and Non V.D.B. marked pennies. VDB were the engraver Victor David Brenners initials. Victor Brenner was a United States sculptor and engraver whos most widely known for...you guessed it...the Penny :) The initials can be found on the reverse of the 1909 coin only. In 1918 they would be added much smaller to the front of the coin near Lincolns shoulder.
All Wheat Pennies are worth more than their face value of .01 cent. A good rule of thumb is that they are worth at least 3 or 4 cents even in poor condition, but those in good condition (not including special years) are worth at least double digit dollars ($10 or more) when purchased or sold in MS-63 condition. Findong a circulated coin in MS-63 is a long shot. You may get lucky and find your Grandma's stash, or maybe pick one up from a bank teller that just got dumped off during the holidays however. So keep your eyes out for a pretty one!
So what are they worth? Well choose a date below and a mint mark and explore for yourself, and be sure to pick up a few rolls of pennies next time you are at the bank.
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All US Dollar Coins
- *list does not count the newer Presidential Dollars
All US Halves
