Paid out only an obsolete penny for an old copy (5)
I believe the answer is:
doled
'paid out only an obsolete' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'penny for an old copy' is the wordplay.
'penny' becomes 'd' (abbreviation e.g. Lsd - pounds, shillings, pence).
'for' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'an old copy' becomes 'dole' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'd' after 'dole' is 'DOLED'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for doled that I've seen is " Given modest share".)