Are Pennies Worthless?

A few days ago while I stood waiting at a bus stop, I watched a woman dig a handful of coins out of her front jeans pocket. She held the coins out in front of her, seemed to be examining them. Then -- as if she needed to lighten her load -- she flicked the pennies from her palm onto the pavement, shoved the remaining silver back into her pocket, and sat down on the bench to await the bus's arrival.