Euro
The euro is the common currency used in much of Europe. One-, two- and five-cent euro coins are composed of a steel core with copper coating. The 10-, 20- and 50-cent euro pieces are made of an alloy known as Nordic gold, which is a combination of copper, aluminum, zinc and tin -- not real gold. The one-euro coin is composed of nickel, zinc and copper, while the two-euro coin is minted from copper, nickel and brass, an alloy of copper and zinc.
United Kingdom Coins
Penny and two-pence coins from the United Kingdom are made with copper-plated steel. The 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence are made with cupronickel, an alloy of copper and nickel. The one-pound coin is made of nickel-brass and the two-pound coin has an outer ring made of nickel-brass and an inner core made of cupronickel. The five-pound coin, like the 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence coins, is made entirely out of cupronickel.
Canadian Coins
Canadian coins often find their way into the pocket change of Americans. The Canadian penny is made with steel, nickel and either copper or zinc plating. The 5-, 10-, 25- and 50-cent pieces are made out of steel, copper and nickel. The Canadian one-dollar coin is made of nickel with bronze plating, and the two-dollar coin is made of nickel, copper and aluminum.
Indian Coins
For the most part, Indian coins are made from the same metals as other foreign coins, primarily copper and nickel. The Indian mint does, however, use chromium in conjunction with iron and nickel to create what is known as ferritic stainless steel, which is more resistant to corrosion than other types.
Special Coins
Many worldwide mints offer special-issue coins that contain silver, gold and platinum. These coins are designed for collectors and investors, and not released to the public as circulating coinage. Because of the metal content of these coins, they are generally quite valuable.