The Evolution of American Currency- Discovering When Pennies Were First Minted

When were pennies first made? The history of the penny, a small coin used in various countries, dates back to ancient times. While the exact origin of the penny is debated, it is widely believed that the first pennies were minted in the Roman Empire around the 3rd century AD. These early pennies were known as the Denarius and were made of bronze.

The Roman Denarius was initially introduced in 211 BC and was used as a small denomination coin. It featured the portrait of the Roman Emperor on one side and a depiction of the Roman Senate on the other. The Denarius quickly became a popular coin in the Roman Empire and its influence can be seen in the coins of other countries that followed.

In England, the first penny was minted in the 8th century. Known as the penny of Æthelred the Unready, it was made of silver and featured the Anglo-Saxon king’s portrait. This coin was used to establish a standardized currency system in England.

As the centuries passed, the composition and design of the penny changed significantly. During the Middle Ages, pennies were predominantly made of silver, but by the 17th century, the metal composition began to shift to copper. The United States introduced its first penny in 1792, known as the Chain Cent, which was made of copper and featured a chain design.

Today, the composition of pennies varies by country. In the United States, pennies are made of a zinc core coated with a thin layer of copper. Other countries, such as Canada, use a combination of copper and nickel for their pennies.

The penny has remained a symbol of currency and history throughout the ages. While its value may have diminished over time, its significance in the development of monetary systems cannot be overlooked. The question of when were pennies first made remains a fascinating topic for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.