Pennies & Nickels
Copper penny and nickel melt value — with the legal note on melting US coins.
1943 Steel Penny Value
Most 1943 steel pennies are worth $0.10–$3 in circulated grades. Uncirculated examples bring $5–$50+. A genuine 1943 copper error penny can exceed $100,000.
Copper vs. Zinc Penny Weight
A copper penny (pre-1982) weighs 3.11 g. A zinc penny (post-1982) weighs 2.5 g. The 0.61 g difference is enough to sort them with a postal scale.
Is It Illegal to Melt Pennies?
Yes. Federal law (31 CFR Part 82) prohibits melting or exporting US pennies and nickels. Penalties can reach $10,000 and five years in prison.
Which Pennies Are Copper? (Pre-1982 vs Zinc)
Cents dated 1981 and earlier are 95% copper (3.11g). 1983 and later are 97.5% zinc (2.5g). 1982 includes both types — weigh to sort. Melting pennies is illegal.