how much does it cost the us mint to produce a penny
For the past four years, it has cost the United States Mint more than face value to produce the penny and the nickel. The cost of the coins was recently 1.62 cents to produce each penny and 5.79 cents to produce each nickel. The United States Mint produces and issues coins for circulation, which are distributed through the Federal Reserve Banks in quantities needed to replenish inventories and meet the needs of commerce.