Because of the relatively low value of the coin and the high level of commerce a LOT of the coins were issued during that period. (Think of doing all your transactions with only pennies!) As a result the coin, though over 1000 years old, is still plentiful and inexpensive....
the U.S. Mint used steel and zincto create pennies until 1944. Several silver 1944 pennies and copper 1943 pennies were made in error; some are still in circulation today, and may be worth thousands of dollars.
Mint used steel and zinc to create pennies until 1944. Several silver 1944 pennies and copper 1943 pennies were made in error; some are still in circulation today, and may be worth thousands of dollars. 1944: Lead pipe from Clue John Lambert Pearson // Flickr 1944: Lead pipe from Clue ...