[SAJ]

Regarding zinc: your statement is true as far as you go...but the smelting cost makes the game of melting down post-1982 pennies not worth candle.

Precise figures on request, of course.

Also, aluminum is not zinc. Comparisons between the two are in fact rather stupid.

BTW, if you want to be an aluminum ''thief'' as it were, you are far better off targeting foil manufacturers than breweries.

As far as that goes, you're far better off salvaging gold from old computers (the circuit boards, dontchaknow). All it takes is a file and a bit of patience -- how easy, and no theft involved.

[DeaconBenjamin2]

Lincoln Cent 1909-1982 Cent (95% copper)
metal value $0.0226711 metal value as percentage of face value 226.71%
Jefferson Nickel 1946-2007 Nickel
metal value $0.0899178 metal value as percentage of face value 179.83%
Lincoln Cent 1982-2007 Cent (97.5% zinc)
metal value $0.0094289 metal value as percentage of face value 94.28%

www.coinflation.com

Canadian coins do even better

1955 - 1981 Nickel
metal value $0.2224582 (US)