| Coin | Each | Qty | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln cent — 95% copper 1909–mid-1982; exclude 1943 steel and zinc 1982 issues | $0.0421 | — | |
| Standard US five-cent coin 1866–present; exclude 1942–1945 silver-alloy issues | $0.0748 | — |
Composition and issue traps
The U.S. Mint's historic production record documents the cent's 1982 transition to primarily zinc, while its current specifications confirm a 5-gram nickel made from 75% copper and 25% nickel. Some 1982 cents require weighing; the 3.11-gram version uses the copper calculation.
Silver-alloy 1942–1945 nickels belong in the US silver coin calculator. Identify them by the large P, D, or S mintmark above Monticello.
Legal restriction
31 CFR Part 82 generally prohibits melting or processing US cents and nickels for metal recovery and limits bulk export, with narrow exceptions. This page is an informational contained-metal comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How much copper is in a pre-1982 Lincoln cent?
A standard 95% copper Lincoln cent weighs 3.11 grams and contains about 2.9545 grams of copper. Exclude 1943 steel cents and identify 1982 transition issues by weight.
How much copper and nickel are in a standard US nickel?
A standard five-cent coin weighs 5 grams and is 75% copper and 25% nickel, so it contains 3.75 grams of copper and 1.25 grams of nickel.
Are 1942–1945 war nickels included?
No. Silver-alloy wartime nickels use a different composition; calculate their contained silver on the US silver coin page after confirming the large reverse mintmark.
Can I melt US pennies or nickels for metal recovery?
Generally no. 31 CFR Part 82 restricts melting or processing US one-cent and five-cent coins for their metal value and restricts bulk export, subject to listed exceptions.