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The United States entered World War II in December of 1941. Across Europe and Asia, air and ground combat were ravaging farms and factories. Consumer goods were rationed. War production defined the global economy. Even the U.S. Mint joined the war effort.  

Coins were struck in silver and steel to save copper and nickel for munitions and other military equipment. While the Bureau of Engraving and Printing issued special emergency currency notes to stop the enemy from using captured American money.  

And the war would bring other monetary changes – including a new world reserve currency... 

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