1962 Poland 1 Złoty PRL

This 1962 1 Złoty from Poland was struck in aluminum, a material switch that helped stretch scarce resources during the early socialist era.

Weighing in at about 1.85 grams, it featured the state eagle on the obverse and the denomination with wheat ears on the reverse, all hallmarks of the Polish People's Republic's currency reforms. Designs were kept simple, as was the case for most coins of the time, to facilitate mass production.

Minting occurred at the Warsaw facility, though exact figures remain murky—records from that period are incomplete. If you're handling one, note the edge is plain, which made it easy for wear in circulation.

Some collectors note how these coins tarnish quickly, turning a dull gray. That's aluminum for you.