Composition: In 1974, a few aluminum pennies were struck as a test by the U.S. Mint. These pennies were made of aluminum rather than the usual copper-coated zinc composition.
Purpose: The U.S. Mint experimented with different compositions for coins to find alternatives to copper, which was becoming increasingly expensive.
Rarity: The 1974 Aluminum Penny is extremely rare. Only a few were struck, and most of them were subsequently recalled and destroyed.
Legality: Owning one of these aluminum pennies is legal. However, it's illegal to melt down U.S. coins for their metal value, so altering or destroying them is against the law.
Value: The value of a 1974 Aluminum Penny varies depending on its condition and provenance. Some have sold for thousands of dollars at auction due to their rarity and historical significance.
Testing: If you believe you have a 1974 Aluminum Penny, you can conduct some basic tests to verify its authenticity.