What to Do with Old Pennies? My Personal Journey

I recently found a stash of old pennies—about $30 face value—dating from 1940 to 1975. Since I’ve loved wheat pennies since I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to sort through them with my children, filling our Whitman folders and sharing that same childhood excitement. But after pulling out all the wheaties, I had a pile of Lincoln Memorial cents from 1959 to 1975. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend them or cash them in at the bank; each one felt like a tiny piece of history that deserved more than being dumped into a coin counter.

What to Do with Those Extra Pennies

So what’s a collector to do with all these leftovers? I rolled up my sleeves and tried several approaches. Here’s what worked for me:

• Take them to the bank: Most banks will take them if you’re a customer, especially if you’re making a deposit. It’s simple, but honestly, it felt wrong for coins that might have more to offer.
• Give them to youth groups: Scout troops often need coins for their collecting badges. When I asked around at our library and coin club, I found they regularly set up “young collectors” tables at events—perfect for getting kids hooked on the hobby.
• Sell them for their copper: Pre-1982 pennies contain copper worth more than face value. My local coin shop pays about 3 cents per wheat cent and 2 cents for Memorial cents (1959-1981). You can also find buyers online who want the metal.
• Donate to coin clubs: Groups like the Elongated Cents club use these at shows to make pressed souvenirs for kids. I loved knowing my donation would help spark some youngster’s interest.
• Search for keepers first: Before letting any go, I spent evenings checking dates and mint marks under good light. So glad I did—I found a few potential errors worth setting aside!

What I Learned About Value

Here’s what stuck with me: those pre-1982 copper pennies really grab collectors’ attention. Prices shift with the metals market, but your local coin shop gives a solid baseline. When grading, focus on wear, luster, and mint marks—uncirculated coins bring better returns. And don’t overlook the fun of searching with kids! My youngest found a possible doubled die last month, and that patience lesson was worth more than the coin itself.

Passing On the Passion

The biggest surprise? Seeing how donated coins light up kids’ faces. When I dropped off pennies at our scout meeting, watching them sort through dates reminded me why I started collecting. It’s not just about advancing in ranks—it’s about planting that first seed of curiosity that might grow into a lifelong hobby.

In the end, I donated a bunch to our scout troop and kept a pile to search through slowly. Felt like the right balance. If you’re staring at a similar hoard, trust your gut: cash out, sell, donate, or hunt for treasures. Whatever you choose, it’s all part of your collecting story.