Aluminium bronze

Aluminium bronze is a modern coin metal that stands out for its exceptional properties and wide range of applications in numismatics. This alloy consists mainly of copper with an aluminium content of around 5 to 12%, occasionally supplemented by small amounts of iron, nickel or manganese to further optimise its physical properties. The combination of these metals results in an extremely durable material with a characteristic golden yellow colour that is visually reminiscent of precious metals without their high material value. For this reason, aluminium bronze is particularly popular for minting modern circulation and commemorative coins.
The use of aluminium bronze in coinage began to increase in the 20th century, when there was a need to develop inexpensive, durable and corrosion-resistant coin materials for everyday use. Many countries turned to aluminium bronze because it is not only more robust than conventional copper or nickel alloys, but also ideal for mass minting. Thanks to their high abrasion resistance, aluminium bronze coins retain their embossing and legibility even after long periods in circulation, making them particularly economical.
In a numismatic context, aluminium bronze is of particular interest as it is often used for medium-value denominations, anniversary issues and technical trial coins. The striking colour and high weight give the coins a high-quality feel and make them attractive to collectors. Aluminium bronze or a similar alloy is used particularly for coins that are regularly in circulation, such as 50-cent coins or 1- and 2-euro coins in certain countries, in order to ensure a good balance between durability and minting costs.
Another advantage of aluminium bronze is its insensitivity to magnetism, which makes it particularly suitable for use in modern coin-operated machines and testing devices. In addition, the material is easy to process, so that even the finest details can be clearly embossed on the coin surfaces – an aspect that should not be underestimated in the design of high-quality circulation and collector coins.
For numismatists, aluminium bronze is an exciting material option that bridges the gap between traditional metal alloys and modern requirements in both technological and aesthetic terms. The careful selection and composition of this coin metal demonstrates how much coin technology has evolved over the centuries and how much today’s mints focus on efficiency, durability and design diversity. Aluminium bronze coins are therefore not only everyday means of payment, but also an expression of modern engineering in the world of money.