My Adventure with a Hoard of Old Pennies: What to Do with That Leftover Copper

You know that feeling when you find a forgotten box of old coins? That’s exactly what happened to me recently—about $30 worth of pennies dating from 1940 to 1975. Like most collectors, I’ve always loved wheat cents, but this haul had me scratching my head over what to do with the later stuff. Sorting through them with my kids using Whitman folders was a real treat, but then came the big question: what about all those ordinary-looking pennies from 1959 onward? Here’s how I handled it, with some practical tips that might help you too.

Sorting and Cherishing the Wheat Pennies

Naturally, I went straight for the wheat-backs—those pre-1959 beauties with the familiar stalks on the reverse. I’ve been setting these aside since I was knee-high, and this batch was no exception. My kids and I spent a rainy afternoon filling holes in our Whitman albums. We kept hoping to spot a 1955 doubled die or maybe a 1943 steel cent, but honestly? The real treasure was watching their eyes light up with each new find. If you’ve got wheat pennies, hang onto them. They’re little pieces of history and often worth more than a cent, especially in decent shape.

The Post-1958 Puzzle

After we’d pulled all the wheat cents, I was staring at a mountain of Lincoln Memorial pennies (1959-1975). Part of me hesitated to spend them—they just felt too old to dump back into circulation. But let’s be real: most worn examples from this era aren’t exactly rare. I needed solutions that wouldn’t leave my basement looking like a copper mine.

What To Do With Those Extra Pennies

Here’s what worked for me, drawing from collector friends’ advice:

• Bank Deposit: If you’re not attached, banks will take them rolled or loose. I rolled mine up and deposited about $15 worth—dead simple for larger amounts.
• Sell for Copper Value: Pre-1982 pennies are mostly copper. My local coin shop pays 3¢ per wheat cent and 2¢ for Memorial cents (1959-1981). Online sales work too—eBay’s full of folks buying bulk copper.
• Donate to Scouts: This was my favorite option. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops need coins for their collecting badges. When I offered mine, they jumped at the chance—kids get to sort dates and designs hands-on. Coin shows also have “young numismatist” tables that welcome donations.
• Feed the Machines: Groups like the Elongated Cents Club use pre-1982 cents for souvenir pressed pennies. I shipped some off for this, feeling good they’d become educational tools.

Smart Moves Before Letting Go

Before parting with any pennies, I did a quick error check. Keep an eye out for doubled dies like the 1969-S or 1972—they can surprise you in nicer condition. Copper prices bounce around, but pre-’82 cents often trade at 2-3x face when metal’s hot. If selling, sort by wear: look for crisp details and strong rims. And never underestimate the value of getting kids involved—that’s how we keep this hobby alive.

Wrapping It Up

I ended up donating most of mine to a scout troop—seeing kids excited about coins felt better than pocketing a few extra bucks. But if you need cash, your coin shop or online sale is the way to go. Just remember to flip each penny under a light first; you never know what might be hiding in plain sight. These humble copper discs? They’re not just spare change—they’re tiny time capsules that connect us all. Happy hunting!