It costs money to make money, an old saying goes. But how much is too much? Some people say pennies have gotten so expensive to produce that they’re simply not worth the cost.
The price of zinc, the main component of pennies, has risen in recent years. As a result, a 1-cent coin now costs about 2 cents to make. In 2018, the U.S. Mint, the part of the
In addition to the cost, people who support ditching pennies point out that many Americans just don’t value them. Instead of being used to pay for goods, the coins often end up lying around—on sidewalks, in jars, or under couch cushions.
But other people say that the low-
Earlier this year, the United Kingdom decided to keep its penny coin after years of debate. But other countries, including Canada and Ireland, have done away with theirs in recent years. Should the U.S. do the same? Two experts weigh in.