Will Pennies Be Worth Money in the Future?

This is the biggest question for coin enthusiasts and everyday savers.

The short answer: Some will—and some won’t.
The long answer: It depends on their metal content, rarity, and condition.

1. Pennies Made Before 1982: The Copper Jackpot

Pennies minted before 1982 are made primarily of copper. Because copper has real commodity value, these pennies are already worth more than one cent—just not legally meltable yet.

Right now, federal law prohibits melting down pennies for scrap metal recycling. However, if the penny is eliminated entirely, those regulations might loosen.

If melting becomes legal, pre-1982 pennies could become 3x their face value or more, depending on future copper prices. And while copper pennies rise in value, stores like R&J Jewelry and Loan can provide a market for exchanging your metals, including gold, silver, and copper coins, for cash or collateral loans.

2. Pennies Made After 1982: Mostly Zinc

Modern pennies are mostly zinc with a copper coating. Their melt value is very low—far below one cent.

However, they may gain collectible value if production stops, but this will depend on:

• key dates

• mint errors

• pristine condition

• sealed or uncirculated rolls

Common pennies from the last 40 years won’t suddenly become valuable—but certain rare ones already are.

3. Rare Pennies That Are Worth Good Money Right Now

Even if the penny is discontinued, the following coins are already valuable:

• 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: $1,200–$3,000+

• 1943 Copper Penny (the “Holy Grail”): $100,000+

• 1955 Double-Die Penny: $1,000–$15,000

• 1972 Double-Die Penny: $200–$700

• 1983 Double-Die Reverse Penny: $100–$500

• 1992 Close AM Penny: $2,500–$12,000

• 1999 Wide AM Penny: $500–$5,000

These will continue to rise in value whether the penny is discontinued or not.

4. Will all pennies increase in value when they are discontinued?

Not right away. Here’s what will likely happen:

Short term (1–5 years):

• People hoard pennies out of nostalgia

• Collectors buy rolls, especially from final minting years

• Value increases for rare dates and mint errors

• No major jump for common pennies

Medium term (5–20 years):

• Copper pennies rise in value if melting becomes legal

• Uncirculated rolls from the final years may sell above face value

• Penny-related collectibles and novelty items grow in demand

Long term (20+ years):

• Just as silver coins boomed after the U.S. stopped minting 90% silver in 1964, discontinued pennies will eventually gain value because of scarcity and collector interest.

• Copper pennies may become a more meaningful commodity asset

Meanwhile, local experts like R&J Jewelry and Loan provide a reliable avenue to buy, sell, or pawn precious metals, including gold and silver coins, jewelry, or bullion, helping collectors and investors take advantage of changing market conditions.

Could the End of the Penny Increase Gold and Silver Prices Long-Term?

Possibly—but not dramatically on its own.

However, the end of the penny would be part of a larger trend:

1. Currency losing purchasing power

2. Rising inflation

3. Increased electronic payment reliance

4. Decline in physical cash usage

5. Shifts toward alternative assets

When fiat currency becomes less useful—whether through inflation or discontinuation—people look for stability. Historically, gold and silver are where they go. The penny’s removal won’t trigger a precious metals boom by itself, but it could be another puzzle piece encouraging Americans to diversify into physical assets. And trusted local businesses like R&J Jewelry and Loan make it easy to participate in the market safely.

Should You Start Saving Pennies Now?

Here’s what experts generally recommend:

Save them if:

• They were minted before 1982 (copper content)

• They are part of sealed or uncirculated rolls

• They show mint errors

• You enjoy collecting coins

• You want low-risk, nearly free exposure to copper

Don’t save them if:

• You are expecting a fast financial return

• You don’t have space to store thousands of coins

• You dislike sorting or checking dates

Whether saving pennies, investing in gold or silver, or pawning valuables for cash, R&J Jewelry and Loan provides a reliable, local solution for residents looking to make the most of their precious metals.

Conclusion: The End of the Penny May Be the Beginning of Something Bigger

Whether the penny disappears next year or a decade from now, it’s clear that change is coming. The cost of producing the coin outweighs its usefulness, and Americans are rapidly shifting toward a cashless society.

But the end of the penny is more than just a small economic adjustment—it’s a symbolic shift that shines a light on currency value, inflation, consumer behavior, and precious metal markets. People who already invest in gold and silver are paying attention, and so are collectors who understand that discontinued coins often become more valuable with time.

Will pennies be worth big money someday?
Some will. Some already are. Copper pennies and rare error coins could become especially valuable. For those looking to buy, sell, or pawn gold and silver as part of a diversified approach to coins and precious metals, R&J Jewelry and Loan provides an accessible, trustworthy option.

Saving pennies may not make you rich overnight—but combined with the right knowledge of gold, silver, and other valuable metals, it could be a small yet important step in building long-term value.