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How big is a U.S. Penny?

A U.S. Penny is 19 millimeters

The Small but Mighty U.S. Penny

Did you know that the smallest coin in your pocket has a big story to tell? That’s right, we’re talking about the U.S. Penny, also known as the cent. This humble coin, which is just 0.75 inches in diameter and 0.0598 inches thick, has a fascinating tale that stretches back to the founding days of the United States.

Size Comparison: Penny vs Other Objects

To better understand the size of the penny, let’s compare it to some everyday objects:

  • The penny is roughly the same size as a button on your shirt or a thumbtack.
  • It is about half the diameter of a U.S. quarter, which measures 0.955 inches.
  • If you lined up pennies edge to edge, it would take approximately 16 pennies to span the length of a standard 12-inch ruler.
  • The thickness of the penny is just a bit more than that of a credit card, which is typically around 0.03 inches thick.

History and Design: A Coin with Character

The first U.S. cent was produced in 1787, and over the years, it has primarily been a copper or copper-plated coin. Today’s pennies are crafted from a blend of copper-plated zinc, which gives them a weight of 2.5 grams - lighter than the previous 95% copper cents that weighed 3.11 grams. The design of the penny has evolved over time, with its current form known as the Lincoln cent. It features the profile of President Abraham Lincoln on the front, a tribute that has been in place since 1909, marking the centennial of Lincoln’s birth.

Value and Controversy: Understanding the Penny’s Place

While it may be the smallest U.S. coin, the penny has sparked big debates. It’s the lowest face-value physical unit of U.S. currency, a position it has held since the half-cent’s discontinuation in 1857. However, due to inflation, the penny has lost most of its purchasing power. Today, many view it as more of a burden than a benefit, arguing that it costs more to make a penny than it’s actually worth.

Conclusion: The Penny’s Persistent Presence

The U.S. Penny may be small and often overlooked, but it remains a vital piece of American history and culture. From its size and design to its value and controversy, the penny continues to make its mark. So, next time you find a penny, take a moment to appreciate this small but significant coin!

Fun Facts about the U.S. Penny

  • The penny has been in circulation longer than any other coin in U.S. history.
  • From 1959 to 2008, the reverse side of the penny featured the Lincoln Memorial.
  • In 2009, four different reverse designs were released to honor Lincoln’s 200th birthday.
  • The official name for the penny according to the U.S. Mint is “cent”.
  • A new reverse design, the Union Shield, was introduced in 2010 and remains in use today.
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