1900 Token Ferracute Paris Expo, Zinc 19mm

Coin Details

Description

This 1900 zinc token, 19mm in diameter, was produced by Ferracute Machine Company at the Paris Exposition. Zinc, a soft and inexpensive metal, was used for minor coinage by several nations and for emergency coinage during wartime periods. The 19mm format is notably smaller than the other Ferracute demonstration pieces, reflecting the typical size of zinc minor coins for which their presses would be used. Zinc presents its own pressing challenges — while softer than copper or copper-nickel, it has poor flow characteristics and tends to develop surface porosity. The ability to produce clean zinc strikings demonstrated Ferracute's die and press engineering across the full spectrum of coinage metals. This zinc piece completes the five-metal series alongside aluminum, brass, copper, and copper-nickel, together representing a comprehensive survey of turn-of-the-century coinage metallurgy.

Rarity Notes

Zinc 19mm, Ferracute Paris Exposition demonstration piece. Smallest format in the demonstration series.

Cross References

PCGS #681694; Ferracute Machine Co., Paris Exposition, Zinc, 1900