I read a report not too long ago that most pennies are being hoarded, or are lanquishing in dresser drawers, bottled water jugs, coffee cans, etc. and not being used for the purpose they were made (commerce).

This link says that there is more than one cent worth of copper in each cent being made which is causing hoarding.

http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/why-some-americans-are-hoarding-their-pennies-literally/