Copper tonne prices 1986 â early 2011 in USD, showing 2008's price collapse. The price of copper struck a first peak level on 6 March 2008, on the London Metal Exchange (LME), surging 5.8 percent over the previous trading day to US$ 4.02 per pound.The previous record was set on 12 May 2006, at $3.98/lb.he price of copper struck a first peak level on 6 March 2008, on the London Metal Exchange (LME), surging 5.8 percent over the previous trading day to US$ 4.02 per pound. The previous record was set on 12 May 2006, at $3.98/lb.