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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;gxseries, post: 26112520, member: 4373&quot;]Within the last decade, the composition of coins have gone through many changes, mostly &#039;downgrade&#039;. Up to the depression era, coins were struck in high value metals such as nickel, copper, silver, gold. This is pre-fiat currency where coins were back with some meaningful value. Today&#039;s coinage are now replaced with base metal alloy or plated coins such as copper-nickel or nickel plated steel. This is not unique to this era as this is seen in Roman or early Chinese cash coinage.</p><p><br /></p><p>The biggest change in metal composition happened during WWI and WWII where metals such as copper and nickel were used for ammunition. This has created interesting base metal coinage such as lead, zinc, tin, aluminum. Some coins were struck with non-metal composition such as ceramic, cloth or even coal!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Rough timeline of when different types of metals were last used. This does not include alloys. Some countries still issue coins with high metal content but these are not common, i.e. Japan 10 yen.</p><p><br /></p><p>Gold: mostly to depression era (1930s)</p><p>Silver: 1960s</p><p>Nickel: 1960s - 70s</p><p>Copper: 1980s</p><p><br /></p><p>In today&#039;s world, it seems that plated steel coins are getting common for many coins around the world. Steel is a relatively hard metal compared to the traditional base metals. While they would be harder to work with, these last much longer in circulation thus better cost savings. Canadian multi-ply steel is recognized as an innovative way to manage cost as well as a way to counter against counterfeits.</p><p><br /></p><p>What type of metals would be used in coins in the future? Perhaps plastic some day?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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