What to Do with Old Pennies? My Numismatic Adventure

Finding that big box of old pennies—about $30 worth from 1940 to 1975—was a real trip down memory lane. Like many of you, I’ve been hooked on coins since I was a kid, especially those classic wheat pennies. Sorting through them with my own children brought back that same excitement. We filled a couple of Whitman folders with the wheat cents (pre-1959), which was incredibly satisfying. But then I faced the pile left behind: the Lincoln Memorial pennies from 1959 onward. They felt too interesting to just spend or dump at the bank, but what *should* I do with them?

Sorting and Enjoying the Wheat Pennies

My first move was pure enjoyment. I pulled out a Whitman album and got my kids sorting wheat pennies with me. Checking dates and mint marks turned into a fantastic way to spend an afternoon together. It’s amazing how these little pieces of history can spark such curiosity in kids. If you’ve got youngsters around, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s a simple, affordable way to share the hobby and build the basics. And let’s be honest, wheat cents are always worth keeping for their charm and history.

Handling the Leftover Pennies: What Worked For Me

Once the wheaties were safely in their folders, I was staring at a mountain of 1959-1975 Memorial cents. Spending them felt wrong, but just cashing them in seemed like a waste. After trying a few things myself, here are some options that really clicked:

• Donate to Youth Programs: I discovered local Scout troops (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts) often need coins for their Coin Collecting merit badges. Libraries and coin clubs also set up tables at events where kids can learn, and donations are always welcome. It felt great knowing my extra pennies might inspire a new young collector.
• Sell for Copper Value: Here’s the practical bit: most pennies minted before 1982 are mostly copper, and that copper is often worth more than one cent. My local coin shop gives me 2 cents each for them, and you can find buyers online too. Important tip: Before selling any quantity, quickly scan for key dates or obvious errors like doubled dies – you might find a hidden winner!
• Exchange or Deposit: If collecting isn’t your thing, banks will take rolled coins. It’s straightforward: roll ’em up and deposit. Just be aware you might be passing up the copper value by doing this.
• Creative Reuse: Groups dedicated to elongated cents (those squished souvenir pennies) often prefer the softer, pre-1982 copper cents for rolling at shows. Donating to them supports a fun, educational niche of the hobby.

Why Those Old Pennies Matter

What really struck me was learning that those pre-1982 pennies are like little bits of copper treasure. Their metal value often exceeds face value, making them appealing to collectors and dealers. I’ve seen shops consistently pay that 2-cent premium because it adds up. Before letting any go (selling or donating), I make a point to quickly look over each one. Dates like 1969-S or 1972 are known for valuable varieties. Since most are well-circulated, grading isn’t the focus here, but a sharp eye for errors can definitely pay off.

Passing on the Passion

Beyond the metal value or finding a home for them, what I love most is how these ordinary pennies can light a fire in kids. Donating to Scouts or a club table isn’t just clearing out a drawer; it’s giving a kid their first “find” or helping them earn a badge. Seeing that spark of discovery at a coin show takes me right back to why I started collecting myself – it’s about connecting with history and sharing that excitement.

In my case, those leftover pennies found new purpose through donations and some savvy selling, turning potential clutter into something genuinely useful. If you’ve got a similar stash, take a moment to look at them – there might be more value there than you think, whether it’s in copper, education, or just the simple joy of the hobby. Happy hunting!