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The 1974 aluminum cent was a one-cent coin proposed by the United States Mint in 1973. It was composed of an alloy of aluminum and trace metals, and intended to replace the predominantly copper–zinc cent due to the rising costs of coin production in the traditional bronze alloy. 1,571,167 were struck in anticipation of release, but none were released into circulation. Examples were passed out to US Congressmen in a bid to win favor in switching to the new alloy. When the proposed aluminum cent was rejected, the Mint recalled and destroyed the examples. A few aluminum cents not returned to the Mint are believed to remain in existence. One example was donated to the Smithsonian Institution, while another was alleged to have been found by a US Capitol Police Officer. A 1974-D specimen was found in January 2014. Since the United States Secret Service is tasked with the seizure of any specimens, the legality of the coins is in doubt. == History == In late 1973, the price of copper on world markets rose to a point where the metallic value of the cent was almost equal to its face value.〔Bowers pg 246.〕〔Judd pg 319.〕 The U.S. Mint, which produces billions of cents annually, was faced with a potentially catastrophic operating deficit, due to issues of seigniorage. As a result, the Mint tested alternate metals, including aluminum and bronze-clad steel. A composition of 96% aluminum (with trace elements for stability) was chosen.〔〔Judd pg 285.〕 The composition was chosen due to its longevity on coin die use, and aluminum's high resistance to tarnishing. 1,571,167 examples of the new cents were struck.〔〔 Although they were produced in 1973, they were struck using 1974 dated dies in anticipation of release into circulation in that year.〔〔 In an effort to gain acceptance for the new composition, the Mint distributed approximately three dozen examples to various members of the House Banking and Currency Committee and the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Nine congressmen and four senators received examples, along with some Treasury officials.〔 Additional specimens were given out by then Mint Director Mary Brooks.〔 Ultimately, the proposal was rejected in Congress, due mainly to the efforts of the copper-mining and vending machine industries, which felt the coins would cause mechanical problems.〔John P. Dorst MD, Thomas E. Reichelderfer MD, and Roger C. Sanders MA, BM, BCh, MRCP, FRCRP. (Radiodensity of the Proposed New Penny ), PEDIATRICS Vol. 69 No. February 2, 1982, pp. 224–225. Retrieved 2008-04-17.〕 Opposition also came from pediatricians and pediatric radiologists who pointed out the radiodensity of the metal inside the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts was close to that of soft tissue, and therefore would be difficult to detect in X-ray imaging.〔 In addition, the price of copper declined enough that making copper cents would again be economically viable, and conversely made hoarding pointless. The idea of changing the composition of the cent would not be explored again until the 1980s. In 1982, the composition of the coin was changed to the current 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper core alloy with a plating of pure copper, resulting in a 20% weight reduction.〔Yeoman, Pg 119〕 After the setback, the US Mint recalled the coins, but about 12 to 14〔 aluminum cents were never returned to the mint. No oversight, record keeping, or statement that the coins had to be returned was made by the US Mint as examples were handed out.〔 When Federal Bureau of Investigation and other government law enforcement agencies were called in to investigate, however, some congressmen either feigned ignorance or completely denied getting examples.〔 The coins, which are considered government property, have been subject to seizure by the Secret Service,〔(Exhibits of ''Coin World'' Articles ), Testimony of Beth Deisher, Editor, ''Coin World'', to U.S. Congressional Subcommittee. URL accessed 2007-01-01. ((Google cache )) 〕 although the legality of the cent is questioned by numismatists.〔〔 One aluminum cent was donated to the Smithsonian Institution for the National Numismatic Collection.〔〔 Since no examples have been put up for public or known private sale, it has been difficult to estimate their value. The coin is considered by a few numismatists not as a ''pattern coin'', but rather a ''rejected or cancelled regular issue'', despite being listed in pattern books.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「1974 aluminum cent」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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