Genuine United States Mint: 1944-1946 Shellcase Lincoln Penny  (50522) 

  Due to the military’s need for copper to produce shellcases and other weapons during World War II, the Treasurey had to find other materials from which to make the traditional U.S. Cent. But when Steel Cents were introduced in 1943, the public outcry was so overwhelming that production was stopped the following year. The solution was to return to the use of copper-but only after the metal had served its miliitary purpose. Begining in 1944, copper from expended cartridge cases was salvaged and made into coins. The  coins proved acceptable to the Treasury and to the war weary citizens. The slightly diffent color is evident in the historic specimen, still in Uncirculated ondition.

Specifications:
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Years Issued: 1944-1946
Where Minted:  Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco
Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.01gms;
Composition: .950 Copper 0.50g
Rarest Date: 1945S