The appropriate analogy is 30 PIECES (OZ.) of SILVER, but at TODAY’S price that would be worth $525, which is
TOO MUCH to make the POINT!!!
I did not wish to make the ‘correct’ analogy, as I agree with your comment regarding silver as too valuable a comparison. In 1943, the US issued its most valueless penney, the ZINC penny, due to a copper shortage related to the war effort. Considering Nelsons’ service as less than valuable, I thought a zinc penny was appropriate.