10 Öre Sweden

The 10 Öre coin from Sweden changed from silver to bronze in 1920, a direct response to soaring metal prices after World War I.

This shift reflected broader economic pressures. Early versions were struck in 0.403 fine silver, weighing about 1.45 grams, and featured the Swedish coat of arms on one side with the denomination on the other. Mintage varied by year, though exact figures for many are lost to poor record-keeping.

Later bronze issues, introduced to cut costs, maintained the same design but used a lighter alloy. They circulated widely in daily transactions until 1950. We don't know the full extent of counterfeits from that era, as few studies exist.

If you're handling one, note the edge is plain, not reeded, which made it prone to wear. That alone tells you something about its humble role.