The term references the worth assigned to a one-cent coin mistakenly struck in silver-colored metal during a specific year of World War II. Most pennies from that period were made of zinc-coated steel due to copper conservation efforts. The mentioned coins, deviating from the intended composition, possess a collectible interest.
The inherent rarity drives its significance. These coins hold considerable historical value as anomalies produced during wartime material restrictions. They represent a tangible link to a crucial period in history, appealing to collectors and numismatists seeking exceptional items.