white metal

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by leaconcen, Jul 14, 2011.

  1. leaconcen

    leaconcen learning constantly

    What is the metal used in late 19th century white metal US medals?
     
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  3. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Hard to say but probably some alloy of tin and zinc. Possibly some traces of other metals such as lead or nickel if they wanted a little more weight. One metal they probably didn't contain was aluminum as it cost about as much as silver. (Although you could make five times as many medals of the same size with aluminum than with the same weight of silver.)
     
  4. leaconcen

    leaconcen learning constantly

    Thanks for the information. I assume it oxidizes easily.
     
  5. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Most white metal pieces I see do have some degree of oxidation.
     
  6. jim50

    jim50 Member

    I have a 1995 Cent that looks like a 1943 steel..Jim
     
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