During wartime, strategic materials such as nickel and molybdenum were redirected to military needs, leading to changes in coinage alloys. This lesson focuses on the Italian 50 centesimi coins issued in 1939 and 1941, showing how their metallic composition shifted after Italy entered World War II in 1940.
Objectives
-
Understand how historical events influenced changes in coinage alloys.
-
Learn how simple tests, such as magnetism, can distinguish different alloys.
-
Interpret XRF spectra to identify the elemental composition of coins.
-
Recognize the replacement of nickel and molybdenum in coinage during wartime.
Materials
-
Two coins dated 1939 and 1941 (Italian 50 centesimi, “Eagle” type), composition ACMONITAL
-
Magnet
Lesson Plan
-
Present the historical background: Italy’s entry into WWII in 1940 and its impact on coinage.
-
Compare the two coins using a magnet to observe magnetic differences.
-
Analyze and discuss XRF spectra: the 1939 coin shows Fe, Cr, Ni, and traces of Mo; the 1941 coin shows only Fe and Cr.
