Large Cent Melt Value
The original US cent, near the size of a modern half dollar. Every date carries collector value well above its copper content.
Melt value per coin$0.150.35013 oz × $0.43/oz copper · spot as of November 6, 2026 · about 15.1× face value
copper content
0.35013 troy oz
Weight
10.89 g
Composition
Pure copper
Years
1793–1857
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Melt value |
|---|---|
| 1 coin | $0.15 |
| 5 coins | $0.76 |
| 10 coins | $1.51 |
| $1 face value (100 coins) | $15.14 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much copper is in a large cent?
- Each large cent weighs 10.89 grams (Pure copper) and contains 0.35013 troy ounces of copper.
- What is a large cent worth in melt value today?
- At the current copper spot price of $0.43 per troy ounce, the melt value is about $0.15 per coin.
- Is a large cent 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.
Keep digging
Skip the math — LuckyCoin tracks the live melt value of your whole collection automatically, free.
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.