From 1942 to 1945 the war effort affected nearly everyone and everything, including U.S. pocket change! In 1943, the U.S. Mint issued the first and only steel Lincoln Cents because copper was needed for the war effort. Then in 1944 and 1945, the Mint issued copper ...

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From 1942 to 1945 the war effort affected nearly everyone and everything, including U.S. pocket change! In 1943, the U.S. Mint issued the first and only steel Lincoln Cents because copper was needed for the war effort. Then in 1944 and 1945, the Mint issued copper Lincoln Cents made from recycled shell casings. During these turbulent years the only U.S. silver nickels in history were also minted as nickel was needed for the manufacture of armaments. These WWII—era coins are quickly disappearing and are rarely seen today. Fortunately we've been able to assemble a limited number of these sets.