Common Cents Act
Sponsored By: Representative McClain
In Committee
Summary
End production of the penny for general circulation while giving the Treasury authority to redesign the nickel to try to cut coinage costs.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New nickel metal mix to cut costs
If enacted, the 5-cent coin could use a zinc core with a nickel outer layer. The Treasury Secretary would set the metal mix only after tests show lower production cost. A copper-nickel nickel would weigh 5 grams. The new zinc-core design would weigh between 4 and 6 grams.
Stop making pennies for everyday use
If enacted, the Treasury would stop making pennies for general circulation. Pennies made before enactment would still be legal money. The Mint could keep making pennies to sell to collectors. Cash totals could be rounded; card and electronic payments would not change. The bill would also define pennies as copper and zinc and remove an old "3.11 grams" weight line.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McClain
MI • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/29/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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