This pen is a solid black acrylic, segmented at 1/2 inch intervals with pieces of a Coke can inserted between segments. Many thanks to Chris Byrnes for his inspiration on this design, which I shamelessly copied, with his permission.
Pennies are I think 98% zinc and 2% copper. Good luck with that. You can buy copper in thin sheets at some of the more specialty home stores if you like. They're typically used for lining flower planter boxes and outdoor sinks and whatnot. Check a landscaping place, maybe???
I like the can thing...do you have to do anything about the logo printed on the outside of the can? Or can you just glue it right up?