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How do you know if a penny is copper or bronze?

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Answer:

The easy way is by the date. 1909 to 1958 (except the 1943 steel coins) are bronze. 1959 to 1981 are a copper alloy that technically is not bronze. 1982 was the transition year from a copper alloy to the zinc cents we now have. Coins of both compositions exist only for 1982 dated coins. 1983 to date are zinc.

First answer by Uscs1957. Last edit by Uscs1957. Contributor trust: 135 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 6 [recommend question].

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