1943 1C Struck on a Bronze Planchet AU55 PCGS. CAC. Ex: Partrick-Whispering Pines. The copper used for coining bronze cents was needed for the manufacture of munitions during World War II, and zinc-coated steel was selected as a replacement. Much experimentation took place before the government arrived at that decision. Patterns dated 1942, featuring a bust from the Columbian two centavos, were struck in various materials; unusual alternatives included plastic, rubber, bakelite, fiber, and glass. Those substances proved unsuitable for circulating coinage, even during a war emergency. Other candidates for the 1943 cent alloy were zinc, manganese, white metal, aluminum, and lead. The pattern cent Judd-2054 was struck in the zinc-coated steel that proved to be the best option.
Weight: 3.11 grams
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc