Common Cents Act
Sponsored By: Representative McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9]
Introduced
Summary
Phase out the U.S. penny from general circulation. The bill would stop producing pennies for everyday use, redesign the 5-cent coin, and create a nationwide cash-rounding system that shifts cash totals to 5-cent increments while allowing the Treasury to sell pennies as collectibles and keeping existing pennies legal tender.
Show full summary
- Families and cash users: Cash transactions would be allowed to round to the nearest 5 cents under set rules, and very small amounts of $0.01 or $0.02 could be rounded up to $0.05.
- Workers and employers: Employers who pay wages in cash for amounts not divisible by 5 cents would be required to round those payments up to the nearest 5 cents.
- Low-income, older, and unbanked people: The Federal Reserve would have to deliver a 90-day strategic plan and subsequent evaluations to study penny supply and the rounding transition and to recommend ways to mitigate harms for vulnerable groups.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New nickel design and weight
If enacted, the bill would allow the 5-cent coin to use a zinc inner layer and a nickel outer layer. The Treasury Secretary would have to test mixes that lower production costs and minimize harm to coin-accepting machines. A copper-nickel 5-cent coin would weigh 5 grams. A zinc-inner/nickel-outer alternative could weigh between 4 and 6 grams. Businesses would likely need to test or update vending, parking, and other coin machines.
Stop making pennies for everyday use
This bill would stop producing 1-cent coins for everyday circulation when enacted. Pennies made before enactment would remain legal tender. The Mint could still produce and sell pennies to collectors. The bill would also change the statute to say the penny is made of copper and zinc.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9]
MI • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]
CA • D
Sponsored 8/27/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov