Coin Composition Change for Savings: Coins Must Remain Interchangeable in Vending Machines.
This Act authorizes the U.S. Mint to modify the metallic composition of circulating coins to reduce costs for taxpayers. Crucially, any new coins must maintain the exact same diameter and weight as current coins to ensure they work seamlessly in vending machines and coin acceptors. Citizens should not notice a difference in the daily use of coins, but the change aims to generate savings for the federal budget.
Key points
Taxpayer Savings: The Mint can change coin composition if it reduces production costs.
Seamless Transition: New coins must have the same weight and diameter to work interchangeably in most coin acceptors (vending machines, parking meters).
Minimal Public Impact: Changes must be implemented to have the least possible adverse impact on the public and businesses.
Congressional Oversight: The Mint must notify Congress 90 legislative days before making any change, and Congress retains the power to disapprove the modification.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_1278
Sponsor: Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]
Process start date: 2025-02-13