How to melt a penny

This proceedure will work for all U.S. pennies which were minted after
1982, and also for those 1982 pennies which will show zinc when scored
on their edge with a single light stroke of a flat, fine-toothed file.

First, score the penny on the top, and, if it shows zinc, on the
bottom. Next, hold the penny in some locking forceps. Now, heat the
penny with a propane torch. No oxygen is required, and no forced air
is required. Zinc will fume easily, so don't overheat. Under the
penny, you should have put a bucket of water, which is why directions
should be read beforehand! ;-). Wear safety glasses and gloves.
Every few seconds, give the foreceps a slight whach on the edge of the
bucket. After about a minute, the zinc core will plop down into the
water with an audible sound, and then the copper shell will begin to
turn red, melt, and oxidize.

It is illegal to melt pennies. If it was not, the pennies would all
disappear, because they would be melted down by those who have no
interest in maintaining the government's penny-sized zinc-ingot
program for recreational jewelers. Support the penny!