Coins are typically made from combinations of metals rather than a single element. The exact composition varies by country, denomination, and historical period, but some common patterns emerge:

• Base metals and common alloys: Many everyday coins use copper, nickel, zinc, and sometimes brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) or bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). These choices balance durability, weight, and cost.
• Core and coating: Some coins are produced as layered structures—an inner core of one metal (often zinc or another inexpensive metal) with outer plating or cladding of a harder metal (such as nickel or copper-nickel) to improve wear resistance and appearance.
• Modern examples:
  • In the United States, dimes, quarters, and half dollars typically use copper-nickel alloys (a copper-nickel alloy with a copper core in some older compositions) with specific plating and edge designs. Zinc-based pennies exist as the cent, often with copper plating.
  • Many other countries use nickel-brass, nickel-plated steel, or copper-nickel combinations for their common coins, sometimes with a bi-metallic construction (two different metals stuck together) for higher denominations or special issues.
• Special/collectible coins: Some coins use precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, or special composites for commemorative issues. These are not typical circulation coins.

Key reasons for material choices:

• Durability: Coins endure heavy handling, abrasion, and exposure to the elements; harder alloys resist wear better.
• Cost: Using cheaper metals reduces production costs, especially for high-volume coins.
• Deterrence of counterfeiting: Certain alloys and plating methods help security and easy authentication.
• Weight and feel: The heft and composition influence perceived value and ease of handling.

If you’d like, specify a country and denomination, and a precise current composition can be provided.