Got a jar full of pennies collecting dust? With talks about phasing out the penny in the U.S. due to high production costs and low purchasing power, you might wonder what to do with those copper coins. The penny costs more to make than it’s worth, and many stores already round prices to the nearest nickel. Don’t toss your pennies yet—here are some smart and fun ways to use them before they disappear for good.
Cash Them In for Real Money
Most banks and grocery stores have coin-sorting machines that can turn your pennies into cash or gift cards. Some machines, like those at Coinstar, charge a small fee (usually around 11%), but you can often avoid it by choosing a gift card instead. For example, you can swap your pennies for an Amazon or Starbucks card. If you’ve got a big jar, those pennies could add up to $20 or more, enough for a nice treat. Just check with your bank first, as some don’t accept loose coins anymore.
Hunt for Valuable Pennies
Not all pennies are worth just one cent. Some rare ones can fetch big bucks from collectors. Look for pre-1982 pennies, which are mostly copper and worth about two cents each for their metal. Also, check for errors like the 1969-S Doubled Die penny, which can sell for $25,000 or more in good condition. Grab a magnifying glass and look for doubled letters or dates. If you find something special, get it graded by a service like PCGS to confirm its value.
Get Creative With Penny Crafts
Pennies make great material for DIY projects. You can glue them onto a tabletop for a shiny mosaic or use them to create unique jewelry like pendants or cufflinks. Kids love making penny art, like spelling out their names or covering picture frames. Clean your pennies with vinegar and salt for a bright finish, or leave them tarnished for a rustic look. These projects give your pennies new life and make cool gifts or home decor.
Donate Them to Charity
Many charities happily accept penny donations, and those small coins can add up to make a big difference. Look for donation jars at local stores or check with organizations like the Salvation Army or Ronald McDonald House. Some schools even run penny drives to teach kids about giving back. It’s an easy way to clear out your jar while helping a good cause. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing your pennies are doing more than sitting around.
Save Them for the Future
Even if pennies stop being used, they won’t lose their charm. Some people keep them as a nostalgic keepsake, like old stamps or vinyl records. If the U.S. ever phases out the penny, their value might rise for collectors. Store your pennies in a cool, dry place to prevent tarnish, and consider sorting them by year for fun. You could pass them down as a quirky heirloom or cash them in later if they become rare.
| Option | What to Do | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Cash In | Use coin machines for cash or gift cards | Quick way to get usable money |
| Hunt for Rarities | Check for valuable error coins | Could find a penny worth thousands |
| DIY Crafts | Make art, jewelry, or decor | Fun and creative use for pennies |
| Donate | Give to charities or local drives | Helps others and clears your jar |
| Save | Store for nostalgia or future value | Keeps pennies as a collectible |
Your penny jar doesn’t have to sit forgotten. Whether you cash them in, craft something cool, or donate to a cause, those pennies can still shine. Start digging through your jar today—you might be surprised at what you can do!
