The unique composition of the coin (low-grade steel coated with zinc, instead of the previously 95%-copper-based bronze composition) has led to various nicknames, such as wartime cent, steel war penny, zinc cent and steelie.

Due to wartime needs of copper for use in ammunition and other military equipment during World War II, the United States Mint researched various ways to limit dependence and meet conservation goals on copper usage.

After trying out several substitutes (ranging from other metals[1] to plastics[2]) to replace the then-standard bronze alloy, the one-cent coin was minted in zinc-coated steel.

After public outcry, the Mint developed a process whereby salvaged brass shell casings were augmented with pure copper to produce an alloy close to the 1941–42 composition.

The steel cent was also the only coin issued by the United States for circulation that does not contain any copper.

[8] The coin was found in a badly damaged state, with two large gashes and a slight bend.

[5][7] Another explanation credits the error to the production of 25 million[5][9] Belgian two franc pieces by the Philadelphia mint after that country's liberation from the Nazis.

These reprocessed coins are sometimes erroneously described as brilliant uncirculated, or similar terms, by ignorant or unscrupulous online sellers.