My Insights on What to Do with Old Pennies

Finding a stash of old pennies—about $30 worth from 1940 to 1975—sent me straight down memory lane. As someone who’s collected coins since childhood, I’ve always hung onto Wheat Cents, so I grabbed this chance to fill Whitman folders with my kids. We had a blast sorting through them, but ended up with a mountain of leftovers—mostly common Lincoln Memorial Cents from 1959 to 1975. Honestly, it felt wrong to just cash them in or spend them without a second thought. These little copper discs are history you can hold in your hand!

Practical Options for Handling Leftover Pennies

After mulling it over and tapping into my collecting experience, I’ve settled on a few practical paths. Here’s what I’d suggest:

• Sell or save for profit: Many local coin shops buy 1959-1981 Lincoln Cents for about 2 cents apiece because they’re mostly copper. Since pre-1982 pennies are 95% copper, their metal value often tops face value—tucking them away could pay off if copper prices climb. For Wheat Cents, some shops offer up to 3 cents each, so it’s worth calling around.
• Donate to inspire new collectors: Scout troops often need coins for merit badges, and local coin clubs set up “kid’s tables” at shows where donated cents become treasure hunts for young numismatists. Passing the hobby to the next generation feels pretty special.
• Hunt for varieties first: Before letting go of any pennies, I always comb through them for key dates or errors. Keep an eye out for coins like the 1972 Doubled Die—grab a magnifier to check for doubling or odd features. You’d be surprised what gems turn up in “common” piles when you check their condition.
• Try something creative: Groups like the Elongated Cents Club transform pre-1982 cents into souvenir smashed coins at events. If you enjoy quirky collectibles, this is a fun way to repurpose them.

Key Insights for Fellow Collectors

Don’t overlook that copper factor—pre-1982 cents are essentially miniature bullion pieces, so watching metal prices can help time your sales. When checking condition, focus on wear and shine; even ordinary dates can surprise you in mint state. And donating? You’re not just clearing space—you’re planting seeds for future collectors. In my case, I pulled any keepers from the leftovers and gave the rest to a scout troop. Turning forgotten change into meaningful moments? That’s the real win. If you’ve got similar pennies gathering dust, take another look—there’s more value there than you’d guess!