1943 5 Francs Belgium

The 1943 Belgian 5 Francs coin was struck from zinc, a hasty substitute for copper and other metals commandeered by the occupying forces during World War II.

That zinc came from whatever scraps the mint could scrounge, including recycled industrial waste, making each coin a testament to wartime improvisation rather than fine craftsmanship. The obverse features a simple design with the Belgian coat of arms, while the reverse lists the denomination in a no-frills style that reflects the era's austerity. Mintage figures are murky; records from the period were often destroyed or lost in the chaos.

Collectors might notice how these coins corrode easily, turning a once-shiny piece into a flaky relic. It's a far cry from the pre-war standards, but that's occupation life for you.