I know that the new penny designs began in 2009 but it seems to me they actually changed the metal content of the coin a couple years before that. Set me straight please.
1793–1857 100% copper 1857–1864 88% copper, 12% nickel (also known as NS-12) 1864–1942 bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) 1943 zinc-coated steel (also known as 1943 steel cent) 1944–1946 brass (95% copper, 5% zinc) 1946–1962 bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) 1962–1981 brass (95% copper, 5% zinc) 1982 varies, (95% copper, 5% zinc) or (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper)
The penny and the nickel are being dropped by the treasury, Cost of making them is to prohibitive.
