Realcent.org

It occurred to me just now that the value of a U.S. copper cent (1982 and before) generally ranges from around 2-1/2 to 3 cents. But that is approximately what the value of an aluminum can is!

So which is better and why?

Copper pennies take a lot less space than crushed aluminum cans and you don’t have to worry about them attracting bees.

Aluminum cans, on the other hand, can be legally melted and are on the U.S. government’s list of 50 critical minerals, so the government is benefiting by us recycling and melting down cans.

I personally do both. Another thing about the cans is that I don’t mind leaving them outside in my back yard. A potential thief would have to be really desperate to steal aluminum cans!

So, what do you guys think?

I pick up every coin I see dosent matter where. For cans if I am on a walk I get them but in a parking lot they need to be by where I parked. Lol not sure why

I think the copper pennies are better exactly because of the reasons you mentioned. Let me add one thing: For those of us that roll search for copper, we have the advantage of pulling OLDER wheats and Indian heads. Those aluminum cans will never reach the value of a pre 1920 copper coin.

With PK-99 looming on the horizon, copper is the better choice.

What is PK99? I tried to Google it, but was unsuccessful.

The link mentioned LK-99, but I didn’t see PK-99. Also, you’d have to be a scientist to understand what was discussed in the link. Anyone who can explain it in plain English?

It is LK-99. I remembered it wrong and typed PK-99.

The highest use for a room temp superconductor is for magnetic confinement nuclear fusion.

If LK-99 is proved and fully characterized, it will be a really big deal, for everyone.

The best choice of the 2 is certainly the coppers without fail. The coppers are much more recognized as having a known (and understood) value whereas aluminum is recognized by almost everyone, but very few people really understand its worth.