Copper etymologoy: In the Roman era, copper was mined principally on Cyprus, the origin of the name of the metal, from aes cyprium (metal of Cyprus), later corrupted to cuprum (Latin).  Old English copor (related to Dutch koper and German Kupfer ), and the later spelling, copper, was first used around 1530. 

Copper is a unique metal with a distinctive reddish color, excellent electrical conductivity, and is completely recyclable, meaning it can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality; its symbol "Cu" comes from its Latin name "cuprum" and it is considered one of the first metals used by ancient people due to its natural occurrence in its native form.  Copper is often referred to as “man's eternal metal”. 

I don't know about US but here in Australia Copper's high conductivity, being recyclable and its current high price has led to almost industrial theft of copper power lines. The power lines are cut and the copper then sold to be recycled.

When I was growing up we had copper coins in Australia, but that is no longer the case.

Personally I love love copper because of it's colour and have a copper tray and other copper items. I don't love having to polish them