Definition of 'optimum'. Word Frequency. optimum (ÉptÉªmÉm ) or optimal. adjective. The optimum or optimal level or state of something is the best level or state that it could achieve. [formal] Aim to do some physical activity three times a week for optimum health. ...regions in which optimal conditions for farming can be created.
Quick Answer. Pennies produced by the U.S. Mint since 1982 are an alloy of 2.5 percent copper and 97.5 percent zinc. The penny weighs 2.5 grams, so each penny contains 0.0625 grams of copper.
Why Not Pennies? You may ask, why not accumulate 95% copper (pre-1982 mint date) pennies? They already seen a spike in their base metal value to 2.2 cents each. But unfortunately, pennies have two problems: confusion and bulk. They are confusing, because 95% copper pennies are now circulating side-by-side with 97.5% zinc pennies. They are also about four times as bulky (per dollar of face value) as nickels. With nickels you wonât have to spend time sorting out pre-1982 varieties. At present, visually date sorting pennies simply isnât worth your time.