The value of a copper coin depends on several factors:
- Age and Rarity: Older and rarer coins are typically more valuable to collectors . For instance, a 1943 Wheat Penny (Bronze Cent Strike) is considered the “rarest and most valuable wheat penny with an error” and can be worth up to $2.3 million in uncirculated mint condition.
- Condition: A coin in mint or near-mint condition will fetch a higher price than a worn or damaged one . For example, the value of the 1926-D Wheat Penny can range from approximately $900 for “Mint State brown varieties” to $22,000 for “Mint State red varieties”. Similarly, a 1947 Washington Quarter in circulated condition is worth between $4.65 and $7.25, while one in pristine, uncirculated condition can sell for $10,000 or more.
- Errors or Unique Features: Coins with minting errors or other unique characteristics tend to be more sought after by collectors . An example is the 1982-D Lincoln Penny (Copper Small Date), which was mistakenly minted with copper instead of zinc, resulting in a rare coin that can sell for $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
While the melt value of the copper in some coins is higher than the face value of the coin, it is illegal to melt US cents and nickels. However, collectors may save copper pennies hoping that they will become more valuable in the future, especially if the US government stops producing pennies, potentially making melting legal.
In summary, the worth of a copper coin is largely dependent on its collectible value, driven by factors like rarity, condition, and any unique features or errors, rather than solely the inherent value of the copper it contains.
Do copper coins have value?
Copper pennies are worth more than one cent because of the high price of copper metal. It’s illegal to melt pennies, so collectors save them hoping they’ll be worth more in the future.
How big is a 1 oz copper coin?
I can help with that. 1 AVDP Ounce Walking Liberty Design Copper Bullion coin
Diameter = 39 mm (1.54 in.) Thickness = 2.5 mm (0.098 in.)