There are some people out there who are willing to take a risk. These people are hoarding pennies. It turns out that pennies minted in 1982 or earlier are made with 95% copper. This makes the pennies worth more than their face value. Some are hoarding these pennies in order to cash in if federal laws change.
It is now illegal to melt down U.S. coins. Some feel that the laws may soon change and they will be able to cash in their pennies for a huge profit. Pennies made after 1982 are made of mostly zinc that has far less value.