WWII Penny Collection with Bonus 100 Year Old Indian Head Penny

America’s entry into World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, had a direct effect on the nation’s Pennies, spawning some historic and unusual “emergency” coins in an effort to save copper for the war effort.
1941 and 1942 Lincoln Pennies were made in the standard 95% copper composition, with the remainder tin and zinc, but the 1943 coins were made in 100% steel because copper was needed for shell casings and other war-related items. The one-year-only 1943 coins were the only steel coins in U.S. history.
In 1944 and 1945, Pennies were made with recycled copper from shell cases recovered from battlefields and ships. Tin was also needed for the war, so the coins were 95% copper and 5% zinc.
The Indian Head Penny is one of America’s most beloved coins. First made in 1859, it depicts Liberty dressed as a Native American in a feathered headdress. It was one of the first U.S. coins to feature a Native American.
The reverse depicts an oak wreath and the Union shield – symbols of military strength and national unity, respectively. The coin was first issued just before the start of the Civil War, so these sentiments were popular in the north. The last Indian Head Penny was made over 100 years ago in 1909, and they were last seen in circulation long ago.