48 Cadmium (Cd)

atomic weight 112.4, melting point 321° C, density 8.65g/cc


Cadmium token, Metallium, Inc. Photo used by permission.
Diameter 19 mm, 3.7 grams, 99.9% pure. $14 on 7/6/2006.

Cadmium is electronically related to zinc, so it has similar uses, such as corrosion-resistant plating and anodes in batteries. However it is poisonous, so it is being phased out in favor of other materials that don't leach out of landfills and contaminate groundwater.

Because it is toxic, this medal by Metallium, Inc. is the only cadmium coin you're likely ever to see.