* Silver: Silver was used in U.S. coins from 1792 to 1964. The most common silver coins were the half dollar, quarter, dime, and nickel.
* Copper: Copper was used in U.S. coins from 1793 to 1982. The most common copper coins were the one cent penny, two cent piece, and five cent nickel.
* Nickel: Nickel was used in U.S. coins from 1866 to the present. The most common nickel coins are the five cent nickel and the one cent nickel.
* Zinc: Zinc was used in U.S. coins from 1942 to 1945. The most common zinc coins were the one cent penny and the five cent nickel.
* Manganese: Manganese was used in U.S. coins from 1979 to 1982. The most common manganese coins were the one cent penny and the five cent nickel.