I had a 1000 rolls of copper penies back in the 80s (cause I thought the price would go up, it didn't), I dumped them at the same price I bought them; one cent each.

You stop and think, 1982 to 2006, thats a long time to go without having to bust a piggy bank.

But it is a good measure of inflation over 25 years, $1.50 to $4.00 = 266%.

And don't forget the dollars you'd get for them in 2006 are themselves worth at LEAST 266% less. This is why saving money has not been popular lately.