Penny Coin Value Checker

Penny Coin Value Checker

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Penny Varieties

Penny Coin Value By Years Table

The existence of the penny can be traced back to the early days of British and American currency. The initial official penny was coined in England during the 8th century, crafted from silver. By the 12th century, it transitioned to copper, and by the 17th century, the well-known penny made of bronze was introduced.

During the era when America comprised British colonies, British currency, including pennies, was in use. The inaugural uniquely American penny emerged in 1787, post the American Revolution, characterized by its larger size and copper composition, as opposed to bronze. Over the ensuing century, the US penny underwent changes, becoming smaller and incorporating more zinc into its metal composition.

In 1909, marking the centenary of his birth, Abraham Lincoln became the inaugural historical figure featured on the US penny. This “Lincoln penny” remained the standard design for over half a century and was the first circulated coin to bear the motto “In God We Trust.”

In 1943, due to the demand for copper during World War II, pennies were briefly manufactured from zinc-coated steel. These silver-hued pennies faced unpopularity and were discontinued after a year. In 1982, the penny composition changed to 97.5% zinc with a copper plating.

Over the recent decades, concerns about inflation have prompted scrutiny regarding the retention of the penny in circulation. The production cost of nearly two cents per new penny has fueled debates over whether the expenses outweigh the value of tradition. Despite intermittent proposals to cease minting, the penny endures as an iconic element of American currency.