Finding Lincolns before 1982 are they worth saving in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Copper Penny Hunt: More Than Just Pocket Change

Think you need a dealer to find something valuable? Think again. The thrill of discovering copper cents in everyday circulation is very much alive – here’s what to look for when searching through rolls, bulk lots, or even your own pocket change.

Historical Significance

Before 1982, Lincoln cents were struck in 95% copper and 5% zinc, weighing 3.11 grams compared to today’s 2.5-gram zinc cents with copper plating. This seemingly minor difference represents a significant shift in both composition and potential value. The last year of predominantly copper cents (1982) saw both copper and zinc varieties minted, making date identification crucial for any serious collector or investor.

Identifying Key Markers

When roll hunting or browsing bulk lots at estate sales, here’s what to look for:

• Weight Test: Pre-1982 cents weigh approximately 3.11 grams versus 2.5 grams for post-1982 zinc cents
• Magnetic Test: Copper cents won’t stick to a magnet, while some steel cents from 1943 will
• Date Range: All cents dated 1959-1981 are copper (95%), with some 1982 cents being copper as well
• Sound Test: Copper cents produce a distinctive ring when dropped, while zinc cents have a flatter sound

“Are Lincoln Cents dated before 1982 worth saving?” Some, yes. Most, no. – After years of research and speaking with top-notch numismatists

Circulation Finds & Bulk Lots

The thrill of the hunt drives many collectors to search through bank rolls, estate sale boxes, and bulk penny lots. While common-date copper cents from 1959-1982 won’t fetch numismatic premiums in circulated condition, they still contain approximately 3 cents worth of copper at current melt prices (though melting remains illegal).

Experienced roll hunters report finding copper cents in roughly 20-30% of modern penny rolls. The key is developing a quick sorting system – many use the copper/zinc changeover date of 1982 as their primary sorting criteria, then verify borderline dates with a scale or sound test.

Estate Sales & Cherry Picking Varieties

Estate sales represent prime hunting grounds for copper cent enthusiasts. Elderly collectors often have jars or boxes of old cents that haven’t been searched thoroughly. While most will be common dates, estate sales occasionally yield:

• Key date varieties like the 1955 doubled die or 1972 doubled die
• High-grade examples worth more than melt value
• Complete date runs that could interest other collectors

The term “cherry picking” refers to the practice of searching through bulk lots to find the most valuable specimens. In copper cents, this might mean setting aside any with doubling, interesting die varieties, or those in exceptional condition while selling the common dates for melt value.

Value Guide

Understanding the economics helps inform your collecting strategy:

• Face Value: 1 cent (obviously)
• Melt Value: Approximately 2.5-3 cents (copper content)
• Bulk Sale Value: 1.5-2 cents each on eBay (sorted, unsorted may fetch less)
• Numismatic Value: Varies by date, mint mark, and condition

One collector noted: “I was looking to perhaps get a nickel apiece someday for them. Got tired of looking at them and for them one day and took my saved pennies down to my favorite B&M coin shop hoping to get 1-1/2 maybe 2 cents apiece for them. Nope. All they would pay was face value.”

Storage & Long-Term Considerations

Copper cents require proper storage to prevent toning or corrosion. Many collectors use:

• Airtight containers or tubes
• Desiccant packets to control moisture
• Temperature-stable environments (avoid garages or attics)

One forum member wryly observed the famous “penny hoarder” photo showing garbage cans full of cents in a garage, noting: “No humidity and temperature control. Many if not most of those pennies likely have various stages of corrosion evident.”

Investment Perspective

The debate over hoarding copper cents centers on future potential versus opportunity cost. One perspective shared: “If you keep them hoping to get melt value when (or if) the government decides to take away the melting ban, then they may be worth stock piling. To me the answer is no.”

Others counter that with copper prices fluctuating and the melting ban still in effect, the space and effort required may not justify the potential returns. As one collector put it: “There are many people who keep them including RFT and Diggin Dave. There is no numismatic premium to common circulated cents dated 1959-1982. I do a lot of coin roll searching and I do not keep them.”

Alternative Strategies

For those interested in the copper content but wary of hoarding, alternatives include:

• Cashing in periodically and investing in dividend reinvestment plans
• Focusing on key date varieties rather than bulk accumulation
• Trading with other collectors for needed dates

As one experienced collector advised: “Periodic additional contributions from your rolled coin any any other small windfalls you may experience will add up. A few decades of this can easily result in a five or even six figure ‘found money’ surprise down the road.”

Conclusion

The question “Are Lincoln Cents dated before 1982 worth saving?” ultimately depends on your goals. For roll hunters and estate sale enthusiasts, the thrill of finding copper in circulation remains appealing. For investors, the math suggests more profitable avenues exist. For variety collectors, cherry-picking through bulk lots can yield occasional treasures.

Whether you’re a casual collector or serious accumulator, understanding the historical context, identification methods, and market dynamics will enhance your copper cent hunting experience. Just remember: as one forum regular noted, “Your Mileage May Vary” – and that variation is part of what makes the hunt so compelling.

Related Resources

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