Did you know that if your U.S. penny is dated 1982 or later its not made of copper but rather zinc? (Instead, pennies made after 1982 are simply plated with a thin copper coating.) And before Americans used a copper penny as currency, the ancient Romans used lumps of the natural resource as money. Pennies aside, copper, one of the oldest and (sometimes most underrated) elements of all time has reinvented itself for modern home improvements.

Copper has been transformed into kitchen utensils and copper farmhouse sink since the 18th century. But before the popularity of the copper farmhouse sink, copper has been an ideal choice for plumbing, fixtures, roofs, vaults, and other architectural items for centuries. Thanks in part to coppers natural hygienic and corrosion resistant qualities, as well as its ability to be recycled and reused without losing any of its inherent qualities, copper has seen a resurgence as a cosmetic yet practical improvement in many kitchens. Copper sinks such as copper farmhouse sinks(rectangular in shape) and copper vessel sinks (bowl and dome like in shape) are being used in kitchen renovations for people who prefer country, antique looking decor.

Copper requires maintenance to prevent discoloration (think the Statue of Liberty), and depending on a persons taste in style or decor, may not be the right choice for some homeowners. Some, however, prefer the warmth of the copper tones over the coolness of its very popular stainless steel counterpart seen more and more in modern residential and commercial kitchens. A copper farmhouse sink can be purchased new or as a refurbished antique.