Do you think pennies should be considered pure substances?

Question

Do you think pennies should be considered pure substances? Give specific explanations on why you think so and some websites. =]
Thank you!

Answer 1

From 1982 to present a U.S. one cent is 99.2% zinc and .08% copper
http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents/lincoln_cents/memorial_cents/2000d_cent.htm
Prior to that they've had a few variations of alloy mixtures--most were 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc
http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents/lincoln_cents/memorial_cents/1974d_cent.htm
In 1943 they used steel since copper was in need for the war effort-
http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents/lincoln_cents/memorial_cents/1974d_cent.htm

Answer 2

If the pennies were made prior to 1983 then they are closer to being a pure substance. They were either all copper or an alloy of copper and something else. After 1983 pennies have a zinc core with a copper coating. Therefore they would not be a pure substance.

Answer 3

A Penny (and pretty much any coin currency) is not pure, it is an amalgam of a number of different metals melted together.