Platelet-shaped, copper-containing, metallic effect pigments which have a copper content of 60% to 100% by weight, based on the total metal content, the metal pigments having a thickness distribution as determined via thickness counting by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and represented as cumulative undersize distribution,a) with an h50 of 10 to 50 nm, andb) with an h90 of 20 to 70 nm,the platelet-shaped, copper-containing, metallic effect pigments being produced by milling a copper-containing metal powder with lubricant. The disclosure further relates to a process for producing these pigments, and also to their use, to a printing ink comprising the pigments of the invention, and to a coated article comprising these pigments.