What to Do with Old Pennies? My Numismatic Journey

I recently stumbled upon a treasure trove of old pennies—about $30 worth (face value), all dated from 1940 to 1975. As a lifelong coin guy, I’ve always had a soft spot for wheat pennies, so those beauties immediately went into Whitman folders with my kids. What a blast sharing that with them! But after sorting, I had this pile of 1959-1975 pennies staring at me. Honestly? I couldn’t just spend them or dump them at the bank—they felt like little pieces of history in my hands. So I started exploring what to do with them, and here’s what I learned.

Sorting and Enjoying the Classics

First things first—the wheat pennies. You know, the ones with those beautiful wheat stalks on the back, minted before 1959. Sorting them by date and mint mark with the family not only filled some holes in my albums but turned into this great bonding moment. Funny how even common dates can get kids hooked on collecting. If you’re just starting, grab a basic Whitman folder—it’s an affordable way to organize and enjoy these coins without breaking the bank.

Dealing with the Leftover Pennies

After the sorting fun, I had stacks of non-wheat pennies (1959-1975) that didn’t fit my albums. Here’s what worked for me:

• Bank deposit: Easiest option by far. Most banks take rolled coins without fuss—just call ahead to confirm. For smaller amounts like mine, it’s painless.
• Donate to youth programs: Local Scout troops often need coins for merit badges. When I asked, they told me they use them to teach kids about collecting—what a great way to pass the torch! Coin show “kid’s tables” love these too.
• Sell for profit: Here’s the kicker—pre-1982 pennies are mostly copper. My local coin shop pays 2 cents each for 1959-1981 dates. Online groups are great for this if you’re building a copper stash.
• Hunt for varieties first: Before moving any, I scanned for errors. Those 1960s pennies? Could have doubled dies worth serious money. Five minutes of checking might uncover a hidden star.

Copper’s Hidden Value

Turns out those pre-1982 pennies are more than pocket change. With copper prices often above face value, holding them makes sense. Right now, collectors are snapping up bulk lots—especially 1959-1981 dates. If selling, local shops or collector forums usually give fair prices based on weight and condition. Handle them gently though—dings matter more than you’d think.

Passing On the Passion

Donating coins ended up being my favorite part. Watching kids at a coin show light up while holding old pennies? That’s why I love this hobby. It’s not about the money—it’s about keeping the tradition alive. Plus, groups like Scouts put them to great use for badges and learning. If you’ve got extras, try this—it feels good and helps grow our community.

In the end, I split my leftovers: Scouts got most, I sold some for coffee money, and the rest went to the bank. That pile of pennies became stories, connections, and even a little bonus. Whether you’ve been collecting for decades or just found your first wheat cent, I hope these ideas help you enjoy your finds as much as I did!