US Mint testing new metals to make coins cheaper

By Joann Loviglio

Published December 20, 2012 8:01am ET

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US Mint testing new metals to make coins cheaper — This undated photo provided on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia shows is a bonneted Martha Washington on a nonsense test piece. The Mint has been testing different materials to find less expensive ways to make coins. (AP Photo/U.S. Mint) | AP

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — When it comes to making coins, the Mint isn’t getting its two cents worth. In some cases, it doesn’t even get half of that. A penny costs more than two cents and a nickel costs more than 11 cents to make and distribute. The quandary is how to make coins more cheaply without sparing our change’s quality and durability, or altering its size and appearance.

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