1942 experimental cents

The 1942 experimental cents were pattern coins struck by the United States Mint to test alternative compositions for the penny.

Cent
United States
Value$0.01 U.S. dollars
Diameter19.05 mm
EdgePlain
Years of minting1942
Obverse
DesignBust from the Colombian 2 centavo coin
DesignerUnknown
Design dateUnknown (original), 1942 (modified)
DesignAbraham Lincoln
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Design date1909
Reverse
DesignWreath
DesignerUnknown
Design dateUnknown
DesignWheat heads
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Design date1909

History

After the outbreak of World War II, the demand for copper rose as it was used in ammunition and other military equipment. The US Mint researched ways to reduce or eliminate the usage of copper in cent production. The mint struck pattern coins in various metals, using the obverse design of the Colombian two centavo coin.[1] Dies were sent to various companies to test possible non-metal compositions. Patterns were also struck with modified rim Lincoln cent dies.[2]

One of the compositions tested, zinc-coated steel, was chosen for the 1943 cent.[3]

Compositions

Colombian patterns
Composition Catalog number Produced by Notes
Bronze J2051/P2073 United States Mint
Brass J2052 United States Mint
Zinc J2053 United States Mint
Zinc-coated steel J2054/P2074 United States Mint This composition was chosen for the 1943 cent
Manganese J2055/P2075 United States Mint
White metal J2056 United States Mint
Aluminum J2057/P2076 United States Mint
Lead J2058 United States Mint
Bakelite J2067/P4001 Bakelite Corporation
Transparent amber plastic J2065/P4005 Unknown
Hard rubber J2068/P4010 Unknown
Lead grey plastic J2061/P4015 Unknown
Fibrous black plastic J2059/P4020 Unknown
Light tan plastic J2063/P4025 Unknown
Dark tan plastic J2063/P4030 Unknown
Brown plastic J2060/P4035 Unknown
J2070 Auburn Button Works Mirrored image, struck from hub dies
Brass-colored plastic J2064/P4040 Unknown
Red-brown plastic J2062/P4045 Unknown Coin alignment
J2062/P4050 Medal alignment
Rust-colored plastic J2062/P4053 Durez Plastics and Chemicals
Red fibrous material J2066 Unknown
Tempered glass J2069 Blue Ridge Glass Company

Lincoln patterns
Composition Catalog number Produced by Notes
Aluminum J2079 United States Mint Struck with standard proof dies
Zinc-coated steel J2080 United States Mint Reported, but not confirmed
White metal J2081 United States Mint Struck with modified rim Lincoln cent dies

See also

References
  1. "J2051/P2073". uspatterns.com. Retrieved 2019-05-10.
  2. "J2081/P2077". uspatterns.com. Retrieved 2019-05-10.
  3. "1943 Steel Cent | Lincoln Steel Penny". 8 August 2009. Retrieved 2019-05-10.
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