From: Kenneth Whistler (kenw@sybase.com)
Date: Mon Oct 27 2003 - 18:35:31 CST
> ... Ironically,
> in 1943-45 nickels were actually minted in silver, as nickel was considered
> strategic for the war effort. Current nickels are 75% copper and 25%
> nickel, the same as the cladding of the other coins. (Pennies are
> copper-clad zinc, however.)
Prior to 1982, pennies were a 95% copper / 5% zinc alloy.
After 1982, pennies are copper-clad, with the cores 97.5% zinc / 2.5% copper.
Except for the 1943 pennies, which were, ironically, zinc-clad steel.
--Ken
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