World War II Affected Other Markets In Addition to Numismatics

Most collectors are aware that in 1943, the U.S. changed the metal composition of the 1943 Lincoln cent as well as the 1942-1945 Jefferson nickel to reduce the amount of copper being used. The government did this to free up most of its copper to make guns and ammunition for the war efforts.

However, coins weren't the only collectible or industry affected by the war. The automobile industry was also highly distressed due to the ongoing war efforts. In 1942, the U.S. Government halted all civilian auto production in the country. This halt lasted up until 1945. In the meantime, all car manufacturers had to produce cars, tanks, planes and ammunition for the war. For this reason only, there are no civilian cars built between the years of 1943-1945.

Not only were auto manufacturers affected, but many dealerships and mechanical shops as well. Skilled, male car laborers were in high demand by the U.S. Government and instead of producing family cars, they were now manufacturing high-tech planes, tanks and other military vehicles.

This left dealerships, mechanical shops and many other businesses without male employees. As a result, many dealers were forced to hire teenage girls, moms and grandmothers to fill these positions. Some women showed up at job interviews carrying their infants. In the end, many of these women were hired and did a wonderful job during these desperate times.

On the other end, car dealerships that specialized in selling new cars had to resort to filling their warehouses with radios, television sets, freezers and furnaces in order to stay in business during this time. Overall, the automobile industry took a major hit due to the war efforts.

In 1943 the Mint changed the Lincoln cent from mostly a copper alloy to a new steel alloy coated with zinc. This dramatically changed the appearance of the 1943 cent and gave it a silver-like appearance (even though it had no silver at all). For the 1942-1945 nickels, they looked the same, but the composition was actually changed from 75% copper and 25% nickel to 56% copper, and 35% silver. The mintmark was also changed to a larger font size and was moved above the Monticello building on the reverse of the nickel.

The 1943 Lincoln cent and 1943-1945 nickels are important reminders of the hardships our country went through and should be something we can all appreciate today.