diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/__init__.py b/lib/matplotlib/__init__.py
index cc94e530133b..fa01952ae4ee 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/__init__.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/__init__.py
@@ -809,8 +809,9 @@ def find_all(self, pattern):
     def copy(self):
         """Copy this RcParams instance."""
         rccopy = RcParams()
-        for k in self:  # Skip deprecations and revalidation.
-            rccopy._set(k, self._get(k))
+        items = dict.items(self)  # Use items view for single-pass iteration
+        for k, v in items:  # Skip deprecations and revalidation.
+            rccopy._set(k, v)
         return rccopy