How much does a penny weigh?

Summary

The video explains the weight differences in U.S. pennies before and after 1982. Pennies made entirely of copper, like those from 1975, weigh 3.0 grams, while those made primarily of zinc after 1982, such as a 2015 penny, weigh 2.5 grams. The transition year, 1982, saw both copper (3.1 grams) and zinc (2.6 grams) pennies. The video also mentions World War II steel pennies weighing 2.7 grams. The distinction is evident when cutting a penny, revealing zinc cores in post-1982 pennies. This overview highlights the changes in penny composition over time.

Takeaways

• 📏 The weight of a U.S. penny has changed depending on the year it was made.
• 📅 Pennies minted before 1982 are heavier, made entirely of copper and weigh 3.0 grams.
• 🧮 Pennies minted after 1982 are lighter, primarily made of zinc with a thin copper coating, and weigh 2.5 grams.
• ⚖️ A 1983 penny weighs 2.6 grams, indicating it is mostly made out of zinc.
• 🌾 Wheat pennies, which are all copper, weigh 3.1 grams.
• 🔄 The transition year for the change in penny composition is 1982, where both copper and zinc versions exist.
• 🪙 In 1982, some pennies weigh 3.1 grams (all copper) while others weigh 2.6 grams (mostly zinc).
• 🔍 Cutting a penny in half reveals the difference between pre-1982 (solid copper) and post-1982 (zinc core with copper coating).
• 🪙 Steel pennies from World War II weigh 2.7 grams, close to the weight of zinc pennies.
• 📚 The video explores the mass of different pennies over time.

Q & A

What is the weight of a penny made entirely of copper from 1975?

A penny from 1975, made entirely of copper, weighs 3.0 grams.

How much does a penny from 2015 weigh and what is it primarily made of?

A penny from 2015 weighs 2.5 grams and is primarily made of zinc with a thin layer of copper on the outside.

What is the weight of a 1983 penny and what material is it mostly made of?

A 1983 penny weighs 2.6 grams and is mostly made of zinc.

How much does a wheat penny weigh and what is it made of?

A wheat penny weighs 3.1 grams and is made entirely of copper.

What significant change occurred to the composition of pennies in 1982?

In 1982, the composition of pennies changed from being made entirely of copper to being mostly made of zinc with a thin layer of copper on the outside.

What is the weight of a 1982 penny that is made mostly of zinc?

A 1982 penny made mostly of zinc weighs 2.6 grams.

What is the weight of a 1982 penny made entirely of copper?

A 1982 penny made entirely of copper weighs 3.1 grams.

How can you visually distinguish between a pre-1982 and a post-1982 penny?

If you cut a penny in half, pre-1982 pennies are solid copper, while post-1982 pennies have a silver-colored zinc core with a very thin layer of copper on the outside.

What is the weight of the steel pennies made during World War II?

The steel pennies made during World War II weigh 2.7 grams.

Why were steel pennies produced during World War II?

Steel pennies were produced during World War II to conserve copper for the war effort.