Building a Machine to Sort Coins by Date: My Insights and Realities
June 7, 2025My Moment of Doubt: When Coin Collecting Made Me Think, ‘I am just not good enough for this’
June 7, 2025
Just the other day, I stumbled on a stash of old pennies—around $30 worth—from 1940 to 1975. Being a coin collector since I was a kid, those wheat pennies instantly took me back. Sorting through them with my own children to fill up our Whitman folders was a real joy. But then I hit a snag: what about all those Lincoln Memorial cents from 1959 to 1975? They seemed too special to just spend or dump at the bank, so I started looking into smarter options.
Options for Handling Common Pennies
After chatting with fellow collectors and poking around, here’s what I’ve learned works well:
- Donate to Youth Programs: Groups like the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts are usually thrilled to get coins for their collecting badges. I called up some local libraries and coin clubs—they often set up tables at events for kids, and it’s a great chance to spark an interest in the next wave of collectors.
- Sell to Coin Shops or Collectors: Your local coin shop (LCS) is often in the market for these. They’ll typically pay about 3 cents per wheat cent and 2 cents for each Lincoln Memorial penny (1959-1981). If you’ve got a bunch, selling them together can put a little extra cash in your pocket.
- Cash In on Copper: Because pennies made before 1982 are mostly copper, they’re actually worth more than a cent when copper prices climb. I found that there’s a crowd of folks who collect these for their metal value—so selling them online or at a coin show might net you a tidy sum.
- Hunt for Hidden Gems First: Before you let go of any of your pennies, take a close look for rare dates, errors, or unusual varieties. It’s like a treasure hunt—you never know when you might find a doubled die or an off-metal strike that’s worth a lot more.
Market Insights and Value Considerations
Don’t think of these pennies as junk—they actually have both collector and metal value. The copper in pre-1982 cents makes them popular, especially with folks who create elongated coins at shows. Watching copper prices can really pay off because when they rise, so does the value of your hoard. And remember: coins in better shape are worth more, so look for ones with sharp details and little wear.
Encouraging New Collectors
What really touched me was seeing how a few donated pennies can get kids excited about collecting. I’ve watched their eyes light up at coin club tables during events—it’s amazing how a small gesture can start a lifelong hobby. Giving back this way feels great and helps keep coin collecting alive for the future.
Going through all these old pennies showed me that even the most ordinary coins have their own story and value. Whether you decide to donate, sell, or search for rare ones, remember that you’re helping preserve a piece of history—and having fun along the way. Happy hunting!
