Zinc (chemical symbol Zn) is a bluish-grey metal. It is inexpensive and abundant, but is fairly brittle at room temperature and corrodes more readily than copper or nickel, often forming a dull protective surface layer. Because of this, zinc coins are prone to oxidation and can deteriorate in harsh conditions. Zinc has been used for coinage primarily in times of economic necessity, notably during both World Wars when copper and other metals were in short supply. Today, zinc is mostly used in coinage as the core material of plated coins.
