The merchandise in query pertains to a United States one-cent coin produced in 1943, mistakenly struck utilizing metal planchets meant for wartime manufacturing as an alternative of the copper alloy sometimes used for that coin collection. The anticipated composition of this collection throughout that yr was a zinc-coated metal, giving it a silver-like look. This deviation from the meant metallic composition created a big anomaly.
These errors maintain appreciable worth and historic significance as a consequence of their rarity. Throughout World Warfare II, copper was a crucial useful resource prioritized for army functions. The meant shift to metal for cent manufacturing aimed to preserve copper for the battle effort. Consequently, these examples produced on bronze planchets from the earlier yr are extremely wanted by collectors. The attract stems from their shortage and the fascinating story behind their unintended existence, a direct results of wartime exigencies.