Why do some pennies have different masses?

Why do some pennies have different masses?

Different metals have different densities. A penny containing more of a certain metal than another penny will have a different mass, because its density is different.

Why are some pennies worth more than others?

Lincoln pennies that were minted between 1959 and 1982 tend to be worth more since they are almost 100 percent copper, rather than an alloy. Improperly prepared dies can result in coins with a “double” image.

Why are some 1943 steel pennies worth more?

1943: A Fascinating Year for Pennies The same year, an accident resulted in some of the pennies being struck in copper or bronze. These 1943 pennies are even more valuable than their steel counterparts because of the mistake and are among the most valuable pennies.

Why are 1969 pennies worth more?

Unlike pennies made since 1982 (which are mainly zinc), all 1969 Lincoln cents are made from a composition consisting of 95% copper, 5% zinc. It’s the 1969 doubled die penny — worth more than $70,000!

What makes a penny worth more than its face value?

Pennies used to be made from 95% copper, at least until 1982. 1  Since 2000, the price of copper has risen dramatically, making the meltdown value of these pennies more than the face value of the coin. 2  Commodity prices continue to rise and fall with market changes, which affect the current metal value of the penny.

Why was there a shortage of pennies last year?

The fear — a coin shortage, and the cost to replace those coins. Last year, the U.S. Mint made more than 4 billion pennies, each one costing 2.4 cents to create. “Because of the price of base metals getting more expensive, I could see them eventually probably doing away with the penny,” Mirr added.

Is it worth it to find a penny in your pocket?

A penny’s worth depends on its quality and rarity. While most pennies are only worth a few bucks, highly coveted ones might be sitting in your pocket or stuck somewhere in your couch cushions. The odds are long, but they’re still well worth searching for.

What kind of pennies are the most valuable?

In addition to the pennies mentioned above, here are some other pennies worth money: 1 1943 Lincoln Cents 2 Silver Pennies Not From 1943 3 1944 Steel Pennies 4 Wheat Pennies 5 Indian Head Pennies More