Aluminium (chemical symbol Al) is a lightweight, silvery-white metal with good corrosion resistance. It is abundant and inexpensive to produce, but it is soft compared with many coinage metals and can show wear easily. Aluminium has been used for low-denomination circulation coinage from the late 19th century onward, and became particularly widespread in the mid-20th century, notably in post-war Europe and in developing countries where low production costs were a priority. Its light weight, while an advantage for production, can give aluminium coins an insubstantial feel that has made them less popular for higher-denomination coinage.
