> ... Ironically, > in 1943-45 nickels were actually minted in silver, as nickel was considered > strategic for the war effort. Current nickels are 75% copper and 25% > nickel, the same as the cladding of the other coins. (Pennies are > copper-clad zinc, however.)
Prior to 1982, pennies were a 95% copper / 5% zinc alloy. After 1982, pennies are copper-clad, with the cores 97.5% zinc / 2.5% copper. Except for the 1943 pennies, which were, ironically, zinc-clad steel. --Ken
