When Did They Stop Using Copper For Pennies - They stopped making pennies out of copper mainly due to the rising cost of copper, which made it more expensive to produce the coins than their face value. In 1982, the composition of the. In summary, the us stopped making copper pennies in 1982 due to rising copper prices. Pennies since then have been made of zinc with a copper coating. Older pennies made before 1982. In 1943, during world war ii, copper became scarce due to its strategic importance in military applications. As a result, the united states mint made a crucial decision. In 1944, with copper shortages ended, the u. s. Mint returned to making pennies from copper alloy. However, instead of using pure copper, the coins were struck in an alloy. Lincoln did appear on the penny until 1909, and the 95% copper lincoln memorial pennies were not introduced until 1959. The first 95% copper lincoln memorial pennies were. Midway through 1982, the cent switched to copper plated zinc. However a coin dated 1982 could either be 95% copper or copper. Due to rising copper prices, the composition of the penny was changed in 1983 to a zinc core with a copper plating.
They stopped making pennies out of copper mainly due to the rising cost of copper, which made it more expensive to produce the coins than their face value. In 1982, the composition of the. In summary, the us stopped making copper pennies in 1982 due to rising copper prices. Pennies since then have been made of zinc with a copper coating. Older pennies made before 1982. In 1943, during world war ii, copper became scarce due to its strategic importance in military applications. As a result, the united states mint made a crucial decision. In 1944, with copper shortages ended, the u. s. Mint returned to making pennies from copper alloy. However, instead of using pure copper, the coins were struck in an alloy.