Chromium medal by Metallium, Inc. Photo used by permission.
Diameter 19 mm, 3.1 grams, 99.5% pure. $37 on 7/16/2009.
Chromium is shiny and corrosion-resistant. As with this World War II vintage Canadian 5-cent piece, chromium is often applied as a plating over other metals such as steel. Chromium is very brittle and hard and has a high melting point, so coins are not made of pure chromium.
Notice the cuts over King George's eyebrow and on his cheek. The chromium has worn through and the steel underneath has started to rust.
No circulating coins have been made of chromium, although Fred Zinkann produced some fantasy issues in that metal, and there have been a few medals struck by others.
Chromium medal by Metallium, Inc. Photo used by permission.
Diameter 19 mm, 3.1 grams, 99.5% pure. $37 on 7/16/2009.