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Copper shortage in World War 2
What else can I help you with?
How does a mass of a penny depend on the year it was minted?
The materials used to mint pennies has changed. Originally, pennies were made of almost pure copper. Today, British pennies are made of nickel/steel blanks coated in copper, and US "pennies" (actually cents) are made of zinc blanks coated in copper.
What Metals were used in the 1943 Wheat Pennies?
Steel-plated zinc.
Why did the US stop using steel for pennies?
The U.S. stopped using steel for pennies during World War II due to a copper shortage. Steel was used as a temporary alternative to copper but was phased out once the shortage ended.
Why are the 1944 steel pennies rare?
Because they are error coins. 1943 was the only year that the US intentionally minted steel cents, those coins are not rare and only fetch a few cents or a dollar or two. 1944 steel cents are error coins and were not intentionally struck, rather, steel blanks were left in the machine used to strike pennies and they were struck in steel rather than copper. Other 1944 pennies are made out of copper and are not rare and they only fetch a few cents.
Do pennies rust faster in saltwater or in fresh water?
Pennies are made of copper and don't rust unless they are the zinc pennies issued in 1942 and 1943. However, zinc will not rust either. The so-called steel pennies minted during World War II were made of steel and coated with zinc. If the penny becomes damaged or if the zinc coating is compromised, the underlying steel will rust if exposed to the proper elements. Pennies do corrode though.
What are the new pennies going to be made of?
A final decision hasn't been made yet. At this point there is serious discussion of using plated steel, similar to the metals used by several other countries for low denomination coins. Plated steel has been successfully minted in Canada, the U.K., and the EU.
Why are some pennies magnetic and others not?
Among American pennies (cents, actually) only the famous wartime steel cents made in 1943 are magnetic. All other US cents are made of metals such as bronze or zinc that aren't attracted to a magnet. In 200 Canada changed the composition of its cents to copper-plated steel, so those coins are attracted to a magnet but earlier issues aren't British pennies have been issued in both bronze and copper-plated steel so depending on the year of issue they may or may not be attracted. In some years both compositions were used, which makes things a bit more confusing. Euro cents are all made of copper-plated steel so they too are attracted.
What year was steel used for making pennies?
1943. See Related Links for a picture and some history.
Why are new pennies magnetic but old one not?
What country are you talking about? New U.S. cents are not magnetic; they're made of copper-plated zinc. The only magnetic U.S. cents were the steel ones minted during 1943 so copper could be used in ammunition. New Canadian cents and British pennies are magnetic because they're made of copper-plated steel. The price of copper went up so much that it cost more than a penny to mint the coins, so the governments were losing money on each one. They switched to steel as a cheaper alternative.
Is polonium in pennies?
No, polonium is not found in pennies. Pennies are made primarily of copper and zinc, with a small amount of nickel. Polonium is a highly radioactive element not used in coin production.
What material is used to make a dies?
threads are made by high carbon steel and high speed steel. the body of die made by steel and carbon steel
What are 2 objects made from steel?
Steel beams used in construction. Steel kitchen knives.
