cost to produce the penny
In addition to the penny, the nickel also has a physical value which is higher than its face value; nickels cost around 11.18Â¢ US to make. Other currency, such as dimes and quarters, costs much less to make. The face value of a quarter may be 25Â¢ US, but it only costs 11.14Â¢ US to make one. The relative high cost to make a penny or a nickel is balanced out by the lower costs of producing other coins, in some people's opinions.