Patterns (1974)

History and Overview

In 1973, the Philadelphia Mint tested seven different alloys of aluminum for use in coining Lincoln cents, employing dies of the regular design but dated 1974. It was desired to perfect a composition of 96% aluminum plus other metal(s) for durability. At the time, the price of copper was rising on international markets, and the Treasury Department was fearful that bronze cents might become impractical to coin.

After this testing, 1,570,000 aluminum cents were made. Several dozen of these were distributed to members of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and the House Banking and Currency Committee. Other pieces were given out as curiosities and souvenirs to interested officials by Mint Director Mary Brooks. No request was made that the coins be returned. Soon afterward, news of their existence reached the numismatic press, and Brooks attempted to retrieve as many as possible. Only a few were found.

Collecting Perspective

Today, one confirmed specimen in private hands has been publicized (recently encapsulated by ICG with a grade of AU-58). Undoubtedly others are waiting in the wings to see if they are “legal” to hold, although logic suggests that there should be no question in this regard, as the pieces were distributed freely.