1945 Cent Pattern - P-2079

Coin Details

Description

An experimental composition cent from 1945, struck as part of the ongoing wartime research into alternative cent alloys. Although the Mint had settled on recycled shell-case brass for production cents in 1944, metallurgical experimentation continued through the end of World War II as planners anticipated the post-war transition back to standard bronze. P-2079 tested a composition that differed from both the standard pre-war 95% copper alloy and the wartime shell-case brass, representing the Mint's forward-looking exploration of cent compositions that might be adopted if copper supplies remained constrained after the war. With the Allied victory in Europe in May 1945 and Japan's surrender in August, the urgency behind these experiments diminished rapidly, and the Mint returned to its standard bronze alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) for the 1947 cent. This pattern stands as a reminder that the wartime disruption to American coinage could easily have become permanent had the conflict continued.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (Extremely Rare). Late-wartime experimental cent patterns are very scarce, with most specimens having been retained by the Mint or destroyed after testing.

Cross References

Pollock P-2079