Coin, Monaco, 10 Francs
1974 - MS(60-62) - Cupro-nickel Aluminium - KM:E63
10.05 gr.
Cupronickel aluminum
Cupronickel (or copper-nickel) aluminum is an alloy comprising (as you may have guessed) copper, nickel, and aluminum. These days, cupronickel is extremely popular and a firm favorite for use in coins. From time to time, small quantities of third metals such as zinc, tin, and, in this case, aluminum are added, which help to boost its great resistance to mechanical wear even further.
The addition of aluminum to copper and nickel gives coins an appealing golden shine, easily recognizable, for example, in certain French centimes engraved by Lagriffoul in the 20th century, but also in trial coins. Depending on the proportions, the hue may also tend towards silver with golden yellow highlights.
The alloy is also very de rigueur for tourist tokens in France.