Once a fixture in coin jars and cash drawers, the penny carried real weight in daily transactions. Now, it costs more to make than it’s worth, and the government’s already moving to retire it. But don’t just shrug and move on—this tiny coin still has value, so here are 10 ways to make its exit count.
Turn Pennies Into Gift Cards
Coinstar machines can convert a jar of pennies into digital gift cards from popular companies like Amazon and Starbucks, with no fees deducted. Instead of losing money to coin-counting charges, you get to keep every cent and spend it profitably.
Design Coin Art And Jewelry
Copper pennies have found a second life in handmade jewelry and crafts. Since it’s legal to reshape coins for art, creators turn them into everything from keychains to cufflinks. And on Etsy, those tiny transformations often fetch prices that far outshine their original worth.
Sell Pre-1982 Pennies For Copper Value
Pennies minted before mid-1982 contain 95% copper and weigh over 3 grams. At current market rates, that is about 2.5 cents per coin. Sure, it’s illegal to melt them for now, but many investors are still holding on tight in the hope that regulations might change in the future.
Collect And Resell Wheat Pennies
Not all valuable pennies are about metal. Take wheat pennies, for example. Minted from 1909 to 1958, they’re prized for their history and collectible charm. While many sell for just 5 to 15 cents, certain rare dates, such as the 1909 S VDB, can climb into the thousands.
Buy And Sell Penny Hoard Kits
Dealers sell 1,000-count bags of copper pennies for $25 to $35 and label them as investment kits. These appeal to collectors and buyers who view copper as a hedge against inflation. In line with that interest, many resellers turn to forums like Kitco, where precious metals are tracked and analyzed.
Sell Penny Sorting Services
Copper and zinc pennies may look like twins, but a scale spots the difference in a snap. Collectors pay to have them sorted, and machines do it fast by detecting weight differences. Throw in a $200 to $400 setup, and suddenly, you’re the one pocketing a profit of up to 20% a batch.
Flip Penny Rolls Online
Unsearched penny rolls often sell for $5 to $15 on eBay, well beyond their face value. Buyers aren’t simply paying for coins; they’re paying for the chance at a hidden gem. That’s why rolls from estate sales or labeled as bank-sealed tend to spark even more interest, no matter what’s actually inside.
Market Pennies As Doomsday Currency
In prepping circles, copper pennies are more than pocket change—they’re treated as potential fallback currency. Sellers lean into that idea by bundling them in wax-sealed bricks or ammo boxes. Plus, they highlight inflation and old-school bartering to make the pitch even stronger.
Hunt For Rare Penny Errors
Minting mistakes have turned ordinary pennies into valuable finds. Some sell for hundreds, and the 1955 Doubled Die has even hit the thousands. The crazy part? These coins still appear in circulation. Grab a magnifier next time you’re sorting change because one small detail could lead to a big reward.
Rent Penny Exhibits To Local Schools
Educational coin kits give students a direct look at U.S. currency history. Schools pay to use these kits in STEM or social studies settings, often as part of lessons on inflation or economic systems. Items like wheat pennies and steel cents make the experience more tactile and memorable.
