What To Do With Your Pennies
Pennies are still legal tender. Here are your options for that penny jar.
Consumer Guide
Your Options
Four practical ways to handle your accumulated pennies
Deposit at Your Bank
- Most banks accept rolled coins from account holders free
- Many have free coin counting machines
- Call ahead for large deposits
Use Coinstar
- Machines at grocery stores
- 11.9% fee for cash vouchers
- FREE if you choose gift cards (Amazon, etc.)
Spend Them
- Pennies are still accepted at stores
- Use them to pay exact amounts
- Great for small purchases
Donate Them
- Many charities still accept coins
- Goodwill, Salvation Army, local nonprofits
- Some run special "farewell penny" drives
Are Any of Your Pennies Valuable?
Check your collection for these potentially valuable coins
Potentially Valuable Pennies
- Wheat pennies (1909-1958)$0.05 - $5+
- 1943 steel pennies$0.50 - $10
- Error coins (double dies, off-center)Varies
- 2025 "final year" penniesMay gain interest
Reality Check
Most modern pennies are only worth face value. Unless your penny has a specific error, rare date, or is in exceptional condition, it's worth exactly one cent.
For valuable coins, consider getting them appraised by a professional numismatist or coin dealer.
Quick Facts
100+ Billion in Circulation
Over 100 billion pennies remain in circulation (Source: Federal Reserve)
No Expiration Date
Pennies are legal tender indefinitely (Source: Treasury FAQ)
Banks Must Accept Them
Banks are required to accept penny deposits from customers
Pre-1982 = 95% Copper
Pennies minted before 1982 are 95% copper (Source: U.S. Mint)
Common Questions
Do I have to get rid of my pennies?
No, pennies remain legal tender indefinitely. You can keep using them for cash transactions, deposit them at banks, or hold onto them. There's no deadline or requirement to exchange them.
Can stores refuse to accept my pennies?
While pennies are legal tender, businesses can set their own policies about payment methods. However, banks are required to accept pennies from their account holders. Most stores will still accept reasonable quantities of pennies for purchases.
Should I melt my pennies for copper?
It is illegal to melt U.S. coins for their metal value. While pre-1982 pennies contain more copper than their face value, melting them is prohibited under federal law. You can hold onto them as collectibles if you believe copper prices will rise significantly.