Penny ValueLearn › Penny weight and size
How much does a penny weigh?
A penny made since 1983 weighs about 2.50 grams. Most pennies from 1864 to 1982 weigh about 3.11 grams, the 1943 steel penny about 2.70 grams, and the early copper-nickel pennies (1856–1864) about 4.67 grams. All are 19.05 mm across.
Penny weight and diameter by year
| Years | Metal | Weight | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1856–1864 | Copper-nickel (88% copper, 12% nickel) | 4.67 g | 19.05 mm |
| 1864–1942, 1947–1961 | Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) | 3.11 g | 19.05 mm |
| 1943 | Zinc-coated steel | 2.70 g | 19.05 mm |
| 1944–1946, 1962–1982 | Brass (95% copper, 5% zinc) | 3.11 g | 19.05 mm |
| 1982–2025 | Copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) | 2.50 g | 19.05 mm |
A penny that weighs noticeably less than its type has usually lost metal to wear, corrosion or damage. A 1982 penny can be either weight, because both metals were used that year: see the 1982 weight test.
Questions
How much does a penny weigh in grams?
About 2.50 g for pennies made since 1983 and about 3.11 g for most pennies from 1864 to 1982.
How big is a penny?
A penny is 19.05 mm (three-quarters of an inch) across.
Why do pennies weigh different amounts?
The metal changed: copper pennies are heavier than the copper-plated zinc pennies made since 1982, and the 1943 steel penny is lighter still. Wear and damage also remove a little metal.
Check your own penny
Take a photo of each side. Penny Value helps you narrow down which penny you have and what to check.
Check your own pennyPenny Value is an Android app for now, so it isn't on the App Store. The values and checks on this page are free to use.Penny Value is an Android app. Open this page on your Android phone to check your own penny with a photo.
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