Americans for Common Cents (ACC) conducts research and provides information to Congress and the Executive Branch on the value and benefits of the penny.

Trump Plan to Kill Penny Comes With Twist: It May Not Save Much

By Steven T. Dennis / February 10, 2025 04:49PM ET / Bloomberg Government President Donald Trump’s order Sunday night to stop minting billions of pennies annually potentially comes with some unexpected costs. The penny, a staple of US currency since since 1793, costs more than 3 cents to make, costing the government a net loss of $85 million, per the Read more about Trump Plan to Kill Penny Comes With Twist: It May Not Save Much[…]

The Government Won’t Save Money by Eliminating the Penny — Here’s Why

The Mint Actually Loses Money Without the One-Cent Coin Eliminating the penny won’t save the government money. In fact, such a move would have a significant negative impact on the U.S. Mint’s cost structure. Many overhead expenses at the Mint would remain and would need to be absorbed by other coins, increasing their per-unit costs. Read more about The Government Won’t Save Money by Eliminating the Penny — Here’s Why[…]

DOGE Misses the Mark on Penny Post

DOGE’s suggestion to eliminate the penny as a cost-saving measure is fundamentally flawed. In reality, removing the penny would increase government losses, not reduce them. “The government won’t save money if the penny is eliminated,” said Americans for Common Cents Executive Director Mark Weller. “Such a change would have a massive negative impact on the Read more about DOGE Misses the Mark on Penny Post[…]

School Cafeterias Go Cashless, but Low-Income Families Pay More

Government Report Highlights Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Families October 1, 2024 A new report from the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reveals that the shift to cashless payment systems in school cafeterias has had an unintended consequence: increased costs for lower-income families. As more schools transition to cashless systems, many districts have partnered with Read more about School Cafeterias Go Cashless, but Low-Income Families Pay More[…]

Justice Department Sues Visa

Largest Card Network Faces Allegations of Anti-Competitive Practices September 25, 2024 The U.S. Department of Justice filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Visa on September 24th, accusing the debit-card giant of stifling competition. The suit seeks to open the market to new competitors and challenges Visa’s alleged efforts to monopolize the debit-card sector. According to Read more about Justice Department Sues Visa[…]

Pennies to heaven: NASA launches 2 pennies to space station

August 5, 2024 Two pennies began their journey to the International Space Station on August 4, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. These pennies were part of the uncrewed capsule’s 8,200-pound cargo. The pennies will be used in a “STEMonstration,” a series of short educational videos filmed on Read more about Pennies to heaven: NASA launches 2 pennies to space station[…]

Vital Role for Cash Remains as Digital Payments Increase

Cash is still vitally important, even as society’s transition toward digital payments accelerates, according to Royal Canadian Mint President Marie Lemay. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses closed their physical doors and consumers shifted their buying online, there was an immediate and dramatic impact on coin demand. Lemay noted recently that coin demand is starting Read more about Vital Role for Cash Remains as Digital Payments Increase[…]

Hurricane Ian Aftermath: Cash Ensures Economic Stability

October 10, 2022. Many Florida restaurants and gas stations are accepting only cash in the wake of Hurricane Ian. These businesses need electricity and an internet connection –which doesn’t currently exist or is poor– to process payments and track sales. “Cash demand skyrockets during crises, be it man-made or a natural disaster,” said Americans for Read more about Hurricane Ian Aftermath: Cash Ensures Economic Stability[…]