Canadian Copper Penny (Pre-1997) Melt Value
Canadian cents dated 1996 and earlier are overwhelmingly copper; from 1997 they switched to plated zinc and later steel. Canada demonetized the penny in 2013 but copper examples are worth several times face as metal.
Melt value per coin$0.040.09895 oz × $0.43/oz copper · spot as of November 7, 2026 · about 4.3× face value
copper content
0.09895 troy oz
Weight
3.24 g
Composition
98% copper (varies by era)
Years
1876–1996
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Melt value |
|---|---|
| 1 coin | $0.04 |
| 5 coins | $0.22 |
| 10 coins | $0.43 |
| 1 roll (50 coins) | $2.15 |
| $1 face value (100 coins) | $4.30 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much copper is in a canadian copper penny (pre-1997)?
- Each canadian copper penny (pre-1997) weighs 3.24 grams (98% copper (varies by era)) and contains 0.09895 troy ounces of copper.
- What is a canadian copper penny (pre-1997) worth in melt value today?
- At the current copper spot price of $0.43 per troy ounce, the melt value is about $0.04 per coin.
- Is a canadian copper penny (pre-1997) worth more than its melt value?
- Often, yes. Melt value is the floor — scarce dates, mint marks, and higher grades carry collector premiums above metal content. Check the grade-by-grade price guide before selling any coin as bullion.
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Melt values update with live spot prices and are estimates, not offers to buy. Dealers pay below melt to cover refining margins; collectible examples are worth more than melt. It is currently illegal to melt US one-cent and five-cent coins.