US Copper Coin Melt Values
Current Intrinsic Metal Value of US Copper and Zinc Coins
The coins that we will list on this page are the mostly copper coins such as 1 cent penny type coins (small cents, large cents, and also two cent pieces). The list below shows the intrinsic value of these coins or basically how much the bullion or copper metal content of the coin itself is worth. This chart includes the value of zinc factored into the melt value of modern copper coins. The pre-1982 copper pennies are very popular in recent times due to their high intrinsic value. Newer post-1982 Lincoln Cents have a 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper metal alloy composition, which makes them less valuable. We will display information about the Zinc prices as well and you can use our handy copper coin value calculator to find the value of various kinds of your copper coins. Click on the links for each type of coin to view even more information including the numismatic price guide for these coins.
Fun Facts - How many Lincoln pennies does it take to equal 1 pound of pure copper?
154 pre-1982 pennies = 1 Pound of Copper
7258 post-1982 pennies = 1 Pound of Copper
Current Precious and Base Metal Bullion Spot Prices:
As of December 11 2024 01:51 PM CST:
| Image | Type Description | Metal Content | Weight | Denomination | Melt Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Cents | ||||||
 | Liberty Cap Half Cents (1793-1797) | 100% Copper | 6.74 grams | $0.005 | $0.0634 | |
 | Draped Bust Half Cents (1800-1808) | 100% Copper | 5.44 grams | $0.005 | $0.0512 | |
 | Classic Head Half Cents (1809-1836) | 100% Copper | 5.44 grams | $0.005 | $0.0512 | |
 | Braided Hair Half Cents (1840-1857) | 100% Copper | 5.44 grams | $0.005 | $0.0512 | |
| Large Cents | ||||||
 | Flowing Hair Large Cents (1793) | 100% Copper | 13.48 grams | $0.01 | $0.1269 | |
 | Liberty Cap Large Cents (1793-1796) | 100% Copper | 13.48 grams | $0.01 | $0.1269 | |
 | Draped Bust Large Cents (1796-1807) | 100% Copper | 10.89 grams | $0.01 | $0.1025 | |
 | Classic Head Large Cents (1808-1814) | 100% Copper | 10.89 grams | $0.01 | $0.1025 | |
 | Coronet Liberty Head Large Cents (1816-1839) | 100% Copper | 10.89 grams | $0.01 | $0.1025 | |
 | Braided Hair Liberty Head Large Cents (1839-1857) | 100% Copper | 10.89 grams | $0.01 | $0.1025 | |
| Small Cents | ||||||
 | Flying Eagle Cent Small Cents (1856-1858) | 88% Copper - 12% Nickel | 4.67 grams | $0.01 | $0.0425 | |
 | Indian Head Cent Copper-Nickel Comp. (1859-1864) | 88% Copper - 12% Nickel | 4.67 grams | $0.01 | $0.0425 | |
|
Indian Head Cent Bronze Comp. (1864 - 1909) | 95% Copper - 5% Tin and Zinc | 3.11 grams | $0.01 | $0.0283 | |
 | Lincoln Wheat Cent Small Cents (1909-1958) | 95% Copper - 5% Tin and Zinc | 3.11 grams | $0.01 | $0.0283 | |
 | Lincoln Memorial Cent Small Cents (1959-1982) | 95% Copper - 5% Tin and Zinc | 3.11 grams | $0.01 | $0.0283 | |
|
Lincoln Memorial Cent (1982 - Present) | 97.5% Zinc - 2.5% Copper | 2.5 grams | $0.01 | $0.0082 | |
 |
Lincoln Bicentennial Cents (2009) | 97.5% Zinc - 2.5% Copper | 2.5 grams | $0.01 | $0.0082 | |
 | Lincoln Shield Cent Small Cents (2010-Present) | 97.5% Zinc - 2.5% Copper | 2.5 grams | $0.01 | $0.0082 | |
| Two Cents | ||||||
 |
Two Cents Pieces (1864-1873) | 95% Copper - 5% Tin and Zinc | 6.22 grams | $0.02 | $0.0566 | |
Copper Coin Melt Value Calculator
Use this calculator to find the value of your copper coins. Choose any copper coin ever made in US history and enter how many you have. The current copper spot price (based on pounds, but converted to grams) is automatically inputted into the calculator but you can also change this to different prices as well. Pre-1982 copper pennies are extremely popular right now and this handy calculator will help you find the melt value or intrinsic value for copper bullion.
View the following link: Copper Coin Melt Value Calculator.
Copper Metal Prices and Charts
Zinc Metal Prices and Charts
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