Copper, the working metal

What copper is used for

Copper conducts electricity better than any metal except silver, and it’s far cheaper, so it is in power lines, buildings, motors and electronics everywhere. Counting all of those, electrical uses make up about three quarters of the copper consumed.

• Building construction42%Wiring, plumbing pipe, roofing, and heating and cooling systems.
• Electrical and electronic products23%Power equipment, motors, electronics and telecoms.
• Transportation18%Wiring, motors and radiators in cars, trucks, trains and ships.
• Consumer and general products10%Appliances, cookware, coins and hardware.
• Industrial machinery7%Pumps, heat exchangers and factory equipment.

Share of copper and copper alloy products used in the United States in 2025. Source: US Geological Survey, citing the Copper Development Association.

Why people buy copper bullion

• An inexpensive start. A round costs a few dollars, so it’s an easy way to see how buying bullion works, or to give someone their first piece.
• Real metal you can hold. Our rounds and bars are .999 fine copper.
• Collecting. Many people enjoy building a stack of rounds and bars for its own sake.

Things to know first

• It isn’t a bet on the copper price. Copper rounds sell at a set price that mostly reflects minting and handling, so don’t expect to resell them for what you paid.
• It’s heavy for its value. A meaningful amount of money in copper takes up a lot of space.
• It tarnishes. Copper darkens with air and handling. Keep pieces in capsules or tubes if you want them to stay bright.
• Copper ounces are everyday ounces. Our copper rounds and bars weigh one avoirdupois ounce (28.35 g), not a troy ounce (31.10 g) like our silver.

Questions about copper bullion