Versatile Material

18th century copper coin

For nearly five millennia copper was the only metal known to man, and thus had all the metal applications. Copper was the first metal mined and crafted by man, and has been the most important one in the oldest times of history, because it was available in great quantities and was initially extractable almost at the surface of ground. In addition, it was suitable to craft weapons and tools, art objects and ornaments.

This 18th century copper coin was used in Sweden and Finland. It's size is 24 x 25 cm. The big coin placed a few hundred regular copper coins and it was mainly used in trade. Sweden was the world's biggest copper manufacturer in 18th century.

Did you know that copper is

• one of the world's most extensively used non-ferrous metals.
• provides good corrosion resistance, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
• has good formability.
• is found everywhere in the Earth's crust.
• is environmentally friendly and recycleble. Over 80 % of copper ever mined is still in use.
• alloyed with tin = bronze.
• alloyed with zinc = brass.
• is essential to the metabolism of all living things.
• is vital to human. Adults need 2-3 mg in their diet daily.
• has been used extensively in tools and jewelry over 6,000 years ago