The material shortages the US experienced during WWII changed two of the coins in circulation: the Lincoln Cent and the Jefferson Nickel.

Steel Cents - Shell Casing Cents?

The shortage of copper caused the Treasury Department to use zinc-coated steel cents in 1943. They were struck at all three US Mints: Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. They looked great if they were fresh off the presses, but they didn't wear well ... they could actually rust. So the Mint changed materials after only 1 year of production. In 1944, with the copper supply still an issue, the Mint decided to use Cartridge Casings (shell casings from the war effort). They were used for 3 years, 1944 to 1946, and at all three mints. The casings created a unique color which are beautiful in uncirculated condition.

The Complete Set - 12 Coins - all in Uncirculated condition

We've assembled a complete collection of all of our "war cents" - the three steel cents and all nine of our shell casing cents, each coin encapsulated and presented in a custom display. All 12 are in Mint - Uncirculated condition.