1942 Experimental Cent. Judd-2060, Pollock-4053, RB 42-57. Rarity-7-. Molded Urea Formaldehyde Mixed with Wood Pulp. Plain Edge. Specimen-63 (PCGS). This overall sandy-olive example also has mottled deep rose highlights that are more prevalent on the obverse. The strike is suitably bold and the coin has an interesting appearance due to the composition of the planchet. Examples of this elusive type were struck by the private firm of Durez Plastics and Chemical, Inc. from specially prepared U.S. Mint dies at a time when the federal government was searching for a suitable composition to replace the bronze cent and preserve copper to be used in fighting the Second World War. Fifty to 100 examples in this composition were forwarded to the Mint, at least 12 of which were then sent to the National Bureau of Standards for further evaluation. The latter pieces are identified by a letter (usually) and number scratched into the obverse; the present example has a digit 5 in the lower right obverse field but no sign of an associated letter.<p><p> Ex our sale of November 2017, lot 3735. Ex our sale of November 2017, lot 3735.