❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now
Final Note

Saving money on making money

Kai Ryssdal Feb 13, 2012

This final note today, which comes to us from page 165 of the president’s budget the White House released today.

You know that saying “A penny saved is a penny earned”? How ’bout this: A penny made more cheaply can save the government a whole boatload of money.

The president wants Congress to let the Treasury Department use cheaper — the actual phrase is “more cost-effective” — materials to mint our coins. It costs, the budget says, 2.4 cents to make a penny because copper and assorted raw materials are so expensive now; 11.2 cents to make a nickel.

Total potential savings? $50 million.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.