Copper (Cu)

Copper has been used by civilizations for thousands of years. It's name is derived from cyprium (or metal of Cyprus). Copper has innumerable industrial uses and a long history of monetary use dating back to the bronze coinage used in ancient Rome. During World War II, copper was so important to the war effort that pennies were made of steel. As the copper in a penny became worth more than a penny the U.S. Mint began making pennies mostly from zinc in 1982. It has been estimated that economically viable reserves of copper may become depleted in as few as 25 years. Though copper is not expensive, there have been attempts to manipulate its market for large profits including the Sumitoto copper affair in 1995 and more recently the Wall Street Journal has reported on attempts to corner the copper market (see below links) akin to what the Hunt brothers did in 1980 with silver and what Warren Buffett was thought to have attempted in the late 1990s. Physical ownership of copper bullion has become a more popular investment strategy in recent years.

Our copper rounds weigh at least one AVDP ounce and are 99.9% pure. They contain this information as well as the chemical symbol (Cu), our logo, and a map depicting our realm which, though vast and diverse, is one of limited resources.

Beginning in May 2026 we've added an alternative product containing copper (and nickel). It is a labeled RWMM logo bag containing US nickels. Each US nickel weighs 5 grams and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Each bag of these nickels contains 10 troy ounces of copper and 3.33 troy ounces of nickel. One side of this bag shows a representative picture of US nickels and the alloyed metal content (10 troy ounces of copper and 3.33 troy ounce of nickel). The other side of this bag has our logo. These bags are secured with a zip tie which is labeled with Rare World Metals Mint and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). As of 5/9/2026 the metal value contained in one US nickel is about 7.4 cents. Please be aware that it is illegal to melt US nickels but it is legal to collect and hold them. It is also illegal to export them. We will not ship these bags of nickels internationally. Our nickel ingot product page has this option listed (https://www.rwmmint.com/products/nickel-ni). 

If you are not completely satisfied with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund (buyer to pay return shipping). Domestic shipping is free for all orders over $199 (enter code free shipping at checkout). For orders of $199 or under, domestic shipping is $9.95. International shipping is via DHL, FedEx, or USPS international express and costs $45 for shipments up to a pound (9 one ounce rounds or ingots or less including packaging materials) and $10 for each additional pound. International customers please be aware that your country may levy import duties and/or VAT taxes on your purchase from us. We have nothing to do with this and cannot pay it for you. If you refuse our package because of this extra cost we will take it back and will refund your order in full once received minus the cost of the return shipping. If you are unsure what these import costs will be please check with your country's customs office. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_elements_in_Earth%27s_crust