Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2025
Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would allow the U.S. Mint to change what metals are used to make everyday coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters) if doing so would save taxpayer money. Currently, the Mint must follow strict metal composition requirements set by law. Under this bill, the Mint could experiment with different metal combinations as long as the new coins look and function the same way as current coins—they'd have the same size, weight, and work in vending machines and coin counters. **Key Provisions and Who It Affects:** Before making any changes, the Mint would have to study whether a modification actually saves money and minimizes problems for the public and businesses that use coins.
The Mint would then notify Congress about their plans, giving lawmakers the opportunity to reject the proposal if they disagree. This mainly affects taxpayers (who could save money if production costs drop), the U.S. Mint, and businesses that rely on coin-operated machines. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 1278) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Republican Mark Amodei of Nevada and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2025This bill authorizes the United States Mint to modify the metallic composition of circulating coins (including by prescribing reasonable manufacturing tolerances with respect to those coins) if a study and analysis conducted by the Mint indicates that the modification willreduce costs incurred by the taxpayers;be seamless, which means that the coins must have the same weight and diameter as current coins and that the coins work interchangeably in most coin acceptors using electromagnetic signature technology; andhave as minimal an adverse impact as possible on the public and stakeholders.The Mint must notify Congress before making the modification and provide a justification for the modification. Congress may disapprove of any proposed modification through a joint resolution.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.