Nevada Appeal Capitol Bureau
Monday, March 15, 2021
Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., says the bill to change the composition of U.S. coins could save millions.
He sponsored the measure along with Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., to allow the U.S. Mint to change the metallic composition of the coins it produces, according to a news release. They say that would let the Mint produce coins much more cheaply, saving taxpayers potentially millions of dollars.
They said the change would also ensure the nation doesn’t suffer a coin shortage.
The country spent $1.3 billion making currency in 2017.
To do so, they said the new coins would have to have the same diameter, weight and work the same in existing coin accepter devices. Those machines have gotten more sophisticated over the years to prevent people from using slugs to cheat the machines.
The legislation is supported by the National Automatic Merchandising Association, Food Industry Association, Coin Laundry Association, National Association of Convenience Stores and the National Association of Truck Stop Operators.
