In a move to save taxpayer money, Representatives Mark Amodei (NV-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Rich McCormick (GA-7) have reintroduced the Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2025.
This bipartisan bill aims to reduce the cost of producing U.S. coins by allowing the U.S. Mint to use less expensive metals.
Currently, making some coins costs more than their actual value.
For example, it costs about 3.69 cents to produce a single penny. In 2024, the U.S. Mint produced over three billion pennies, leading to a loss of about $85.3 million.
By changing the metals used in coins, the U.S. Mint could save millions of dollars each year. However, under current law, the Mint doesn’t have the authority to make these changes.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has noted that without such authority, the Mint might not be producing coins as cost-effectively as possible.
The proposed legislation would give the U.S. Mint the power to adjust the metal content of coins to more affordable materials.
Importantly, these changes wouldn’t affect the size, weight, or appearance of the coins, ensuring they work the same in vending machines and other coin-operated devices.
Congress would have 90 legislative days to review any proposed changes. If lawmakers disagree with a modification, they could pass a joint resolution to stop it.
Rep. Mark Amodei emphasized the importance of addressing wasteful spending, stating:
“This bill proposes a modernized approach to manufacturing our currency by allowing the Mint to modify the metal composition of coins with more affordable materials.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer highlighted the economic benefits, saying:
“By shifting to new technologies and methods in the coin-making process, we will save millions of taxpayer dollars and ensure our families and local small businesses can thrive.”
Rep. Rich McCormick added:
“Getting our country back on track begins with making smart financial choices and prioritizing cost-effective decisions.”
Some critics argue that changing the metal content of coins could lead to issues with coin-operated machines, potentially causing inconvenience for consumers and businesses.
However, the bill specifically requires that new coin compositions do not affect the diameter and weight of circulating coins or their compatibility with most coin acceptors using electromagnetic signature technology.
This bill represents a common-sense approach to reducing unnecessary government spending. By empowering the U.S. Mint to use more cost-effective materials, taxpayers could see significant savings.
It’s a practical solution that addresses a longstanding issue in coin production costs.
As the bill moves through Congress, it will be important to monitor its progress and see if lawmakers seize this opportunity to implement a straightforward measure that benefits all Americans.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
