1944-1946 Lincoln, Shell Case Alloy

Description

It was during these years that the concept of recycling came to full fruition. At least in the minting of coins. These pennies were made from melted down spent shell cases from World War II. While this material took place, it was barely noticeable as the content varied only by the removal of tin from the alloy. Coinage was effected in large quantities, with over one billion being coined in each of the years 1944 and 1945 at the Philadelphia Mint, an unprecedented figure representing the first time the billion mark had been crossed. Interestingly, by 20 years later multi-billion coinages were the rule. Examples are readily available today in any desired grade from wellworn to superb Uncirculated. The coin will present no difficulty in acquisition.

Valuation

Look through your wheat penny stash and there is a good chance you will find one of these coins. Unfortunately, they are not that rare but are worth as much as a conversation piece as they are in value. Note: The exact metallic composition of cents made from cartridge alloy has not been determined by present day numismatists. These cartridge cased cents were the subject of an article by Ed Rochette in his "Coin Roundup" column released on July 31, 1983.

COIN NAME
1944-1946 Lincoln, Shell Case Alloy: DESIGNED BY
Victor David Brenner: ISSUE DATE
1944-1946: COMPOSITION
Cartridge alloy (see note): DIAMETER
19 mm: WEIGHT
48 grains: EDGE
Plain: BUS MINT
5,142,736,000: PROOF MINT
None

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