Limiting tin in cents - 1946 letter 0

[RWB]

I promised to post this --- someplace --- hope this is the correct spot.

 

CIVILIAN PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION

Washington 25, D. C.                                    

November 20, 1946                                        ARMaupin

November 25, 1946                                        Tin, Lead and Zinc Br.

               Room 4346, SSB    

 Miss Nellie Taylor Ross

Director of the Mint.

Treasury Department

Office of the Director of the Mint

Washington 25, D. C.

 

Dear Miss Ross:

 Reference is made to your letter dated November 12, 1946 and past telephone conversations, in respect to using tin in the United States 1-cent piece.

 In studying the statement of the law included in your letter, namely that the alloy of the 1-cent piece shall be 95 per centum of copper and 5 per centum of tin and zinc, would be interpreted to mean that only a trace of tin would be required to meet the law.

 You have indicated that we would be willing to allow up to 0.25% instead of 1% tin which apparently was once used. It seems to us from the knowledge we have of the 1-cent piece, that any such quantity of tin adds no value to the coin and in fact probably hinders production. It seems to me that under the present conditions, the law would be fully satisfied if the tin content was held at 0.01%, or even less. However, we have decided that 1,500 pounds of tin you have requested immediately available to be divided as you find fit.

 In view of the fact that tin is so short in supply, we respectfully request that you keep tin content less than 0.1% or rather at the lowest figure possible to be considered as a chemical content. We believe that 0.01% is considered a definite chemical content and that such quantity can be readily detected by chemical analysis.

 Pursuant to Paragraph (m) of Order M-43, you are permitted to use not more than 1,500 pounds of tin in the production of coinage ingots, provided that the tin is used only in smallest quantities to meet minimum requirements of law. This tin may be distributed to coinage institutions as you see fit.

 The provisions of Paragraph (9) of Order M-43 (as amended July 5, 1946) are waived to the extent required to obtain the relief as authorized above, provided that all other provisions of Order M-43 and all other applicable orders and regulations of the Civilian Production Administration are fully complied with.

Very truly yours,

Approved: J. Joseph Whelan

Nov. 25, 1946

 

 

Edited January 30 by RWB

[Henri Charriere]

[Out of an abundance of respect for RWB's expeditionary pursuits, (and a healthy regard for the long arm of Moderation, I have posted my gratuitous remarks on the "Unsolicited Comments" topic thread.]  

[RWB]

Recycled pre-1942 cents were also used for their tin content.