5日元硬币的原材料为铜和锌 硬币的"价值"正在上升。记者按原材料的市场价格进行推算后发现，5日元硬币的原材料的 当前价格已超过面值，10日元硬币也达到面值的近9成。据推算，在5日元硬币的原材料中， 铜的比例为60％～70％，锌为30％～40％…… 硬币的"价值"正在上升。由于作为主要原材料的铜的价格处于历史最高位，按市场价格进行推算后发 现，5日元硬币的原材料的"时价"（当前价格）已超过其面值，10日元硬币则达到面值的近9成。美国已 于11月以成本过高为由停止制造1美分硬币。在电子支付手段日趋发达的情况下，这可能给货币应该以 何种形态存在这一问题提出新的思考。 日元的硬币由隶属于日本财务省的造币局负责制造。不同种类的硬币所用原材料不同，但通常使用铜、 锌、铝、镍等有色金属制造。处于可能助长伪造的考虑，官方并未公布材料的成本费，记者根据市场价 格进行了推算。 在5日元硬币的原材料中，铜的比例为60％～70％，锌为30％～40％。而10日元硬币方面，铜占95％， 锌和锡的比例分别在3％～4％和1％～2％。根据日本JX金属及三井金属等公布的日本国内价格来推算 原材料价格，截至12月15日，5日元硬币为5.4日元，1 ...

随着铸币局停止生产1美分硬币，限量发行的2025年"omega"版1美分套装在拍卖会上筹得1676万美元。 随着1美分硬币退出流通，美国零售商实体店面临短缺困境。餐饮企业则反映因硬币流通不足导致找零 困难，并可能造成营业额损失。 责任编辑：张俊 SF065 随着铸币局停止生产1美分硬币，限量发行的2025年"omega"版1美分套装在拍卖会上筹得1676万美元。 随着1美分硬币退出流通，美国零售商实体店面临短缺困境。餐饮企业则反映因硬币流通不足导致找零 困难，并可能造成营业额损失。 责任编辑：张俊 SF065 ...

Core Points - The U.S. Mint has officially ceased the production of the one-cent coin, marking the end of a 232-year history [1] - The decision was influenced by rising production costs and changing consumer habits, with the cost to produce a one-cent coin now at 3.69 cents, up from 1.42 cents a decade ago [1] - The cessation of the one-cent coin is expected to save the U.S. Mint approximately $56 million annually [1] Production and Economic Impact - The production of the one-cent coin has been deemed economically unfeasible and unnecessary due to technological advancements and shifts in consumer behavior [1] - The U.S. Mint currently estimates that there are about 300 billion one-cent coins in circulation, which exceeds the amount needed for commercial transactions [1] Historical Context - The first one-cent coin was issued by the U.S. government in 1793, and since 1909, it has featured the profile of former President Abraham Lincoln [1]

Core Points - The U.S. has completed the minting of the last batch of one-cent coins, marking the end of a 232-year history for the coin [1][3] - The decision to stop minting one-cent coins was driven by their production cost exceeding their face value, with each coin costing approximately 2.5 cents to produce [1][3] - The final batch of one-cent coins, totaling about 150 million, is expected to become popular collectibles, potentially increasing in value to 5-10 cents each [3] Summary by Sections Minting Decision - The minting of one-cent coins was officially halted following a directive from former President Donald Trump, aimed at saving taxpayer money and simplifying daily transactions [3] - The last batch of one-cent coins was minted in Philadelphia and will be used to replenish existing inventories without large-scale circulation [3] Economic Context - The production cost of one-cent coins is projected to exceed $800 million in 2024, significantly higher than their nominal value [1] - The rise of digital payments has led to a decrease in cash transactions, prompting many merchants to round prices to the nearest five cents [1] Historical Significance - This marks the first permanent cancellation of a circulating coin in the U.S. since the discontinuation of the half-cent coin in 1857 [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Treasury has permanently ceased the minting of the one-cent coin, marking the first time in 232 years that a circulating coin has been discontinued. This decision is driven by the cost of production exceeding the coin's face value, alongside a shift towards digital payments [1]. Group 1: Minting and Historical Context - The last batch of 150 million one-cent coins was minted in Philadelphia on November 12, 2023, officially ending the production of this coin [1]. - The one-cent coin, first issued in 1793 and featuring Lincoln's portrait since 1864, has seen over 1 trillion coins minted throughout its history [1]. - This marks the first permanent discontinuation of a circulating coin since the abolition of the half-cent coin in 1857 [1]. Group 2: Economic Factors - The primary reason for discontinuing the one-cent coin is the significant cost disparity, with each coin costing approximately 2.5 cents to produce, leading to projected expenses exceeding $800 million in 2024 [1]. - The rise of digital payments has reduced cash transactions, prompting many retailers to adopt a "rounding" method for transactions [1]. Group 3: Policy and Future Implications - The policy to stop minting the one-cent coin was initiated by former President Trump, who directed the Treasury Secretary to halt production in February, citing potential savings for taxpayers and simplification of daily transactions [1]. - The final batch of coins will only supplement existing inventory and will not be widely circulated; existing one-cent coins will be gradually recalled without mandatory exchange [1]. - Due to its status as the "final production," this batch of coins is expected to become a popular collectible, with individual coins potentially valued at 5 to 10 cents in the short term [1].

Core Points - The U.S. has officially ceased the production of the 1-cent coin, marking the end of a 230-year circulation due to rising costs and the digital payment trend [1][2] - The production cost of the 1-cent coin has increased from 1.42 cents to 3.39 cents over the past decade, nearly quadrupling its face value [1] - The U.S. Mint estimates that stopping the production of the 1-cent coin will save approximately $56 million annually in material costs [1] - Retailers have begun rounding cash transactions to the nearest 5 cents, but there are concerns about operational issues arising from the coin's rapid disappearance [1] Industry Impact - The decision to stop producing the 1-cent coin reflects a broader trend towards modernization in payment methods, aligning with the increasing prevalence of digital payment systems [1] - Despite the cessation of production, over 300 billion 1-cent coins remain in circulation and are still considered legal tender [2] - The last batch of 1-cent coins produced will not enter circulation but will be auctioned by the Mint, featuring a special "Ω" mark for historical significance [2]

Group 1 - The United States is currently facing a "coin shortage crisis," particularly affecting the availability of one-cent coins, impacting both small convenience stores and large retail chains [1][3][5] - The crisis originated from a decision made by former President Trump on February 9 to stop the minting of one-cent coins due to high production costs, which was officially implemented by the U.S. Mint in May [3][5][10] - The initial expectation was that a shortage would not occur until early 2026, but banks began experiencing shortages by late August and early September, leading to disruptions in the retail sector [5][10][11] Group 2 - Many businesses have resorted to rounding cash transaction prices to the nearest five cents to cope with the shortage, but this practice is not universally applicable due to local regulations [7][8][10] - In cities like New York, strict regulations require precise change, and businesses are hesitant to adjust prices for fear of complaints or legal issues, leading to potential losses [8][10][11] - Major convenience store chains, such as "QuickTrip," are expected to incur significant losses, with estimates around $3 million due to the rounding practices [10][11] Group 3 - The cost of producing a one-cent coin is nearly four cents, which has led to ongoing debates about the financial wisdom of ceasing its production [11][13][16] - Experts warn that stopping the minting of one-cent coins may lead to increased production of five-cent coins, which have a manufacturing cost of nearly 14 cents, potentially negating any savings [16][18] - The situation highlights the need for clear federal guidelines on rounding rules and consumer protection measures to address the cash transaction disparities [18][20][24] Group 4 - Despite the cessation of minting, there are still many one-cent coins in circulation, but they are not actively being used, leading to a perception of a shortage [20][24] - The "no cent era" is not simply about stopping the minting of coins; it requires balancing production costs, business interests, and consumer needs [24]

Group 1: Coin Crisis Impact - The decision to stop producing the 1-cent coin has led to significant disruptions in retail, with companies like Kwik Trip facing potential losses of up to $3 million annually due to rounding transactions to the nearest 5 cents [3] - The cost of producing a 5-cent coin is 13.8 cents, nearly four times that of the 1-cent coin, raising questions about the cost-saving rationale behind the policy [3] - The shortage of 1-cent coins has emerged sooner than expected, with banks ceasing supply in May 2025, leading to a rapid depletion of privately held coins [3] Group 2: Federal Reserve Division - A rare power struggle within the Federal Reserve has emerged, highlighted by a split vote on interest rate cuts, with some officials advocating for a 50 basis point cut while others oppose any reduction [5] - The internal conflict reflects broader concerns about inflation and the deteriorating job market, with officials divided on the best course of action [5][7] - The independence of the Federal Reserve is under pressure from the Trump administration, which has publicly criticized the Fed's pace of rate cuts [7] Group 3: National Debt Concerns - The U.S. national debt has surpassed $38 trillion, equating to approximately $280,000 per household, with a rapid increase from $37 trillion to $38 trillion occurring in just two months [9] - Interest payments on the national debt are projected to consume about $1.4 trillion in 2025, representing 26.5% of federal revenue, exceeding military spending [9] - Concerns about a potential "debt reckoning" are growing, with market actions reflecting fears of rising deficits and oversupply of government bonds [9] Group 4: Interconnected Crises - The issues surrounding the 1-cent coin, the Federal Reserve's internal divisions, and the national debt are interconnected, reflecting the government's urgent need to cut short-term fiscal costs [11] - The Trump administration's reliance on tariff revenues to offset deficits has proven insufficient, as increased medical spending has outpaced tariff income [11] - Rising credit card default rates and financial strain on consumers indicate broader economic challenges, exacerbated by the ongoing crises [11]

Core Insights - A financial professional, Kyle Mitchell, made a bold investment by converting $250,000 into 5 million five-cent coins, weighing 30 tons, and storing them in his garage [1][3] - Mitchell aims to replicate Warren Buffett's strategy from the 1960s, focusing on the metal value of the coins, which currently exceeds their face value [3] - The investment has already appreciated to $290,000 based on metal value, presenting a potential profit of $40,000 [3] Group 1: Investment Strategy - Mitchell's strategy is based on the premise that the metal content of the five-cent coins is worth more than their face value, with current calculations showing a value of 6 cents per coin [3] - The U.S. Mint acknowledges that producing these coins incurs a loss, with production costs projected to reach 14 cents per coin in 2024 [3] Group 2: Risks and Challenges - There are significant legal restrictions on the handling of five-cent coins, including a prohibition on melting them down, which could result in fines and imprisonment [5] - Hidden costs associated with the investment include $32,000 in labor fees and $15,000 annually for storage and security, along with potential bank fees of up to 20% when cashing in the coins [5] - The volatility of nickel prices poses a risk, as a repeat of 2022's market conditions could drastically reduce the investment's value [7] Group 3: Market Sentiment - The accumulation of physical assets like coins reflects a broader societal anxiety regarding inflation and economic uncertainty [7][9] - The shift towards tangible assets is driven by the devaluation of paper currency, indicating a collective move towards securing value in physical forms [9] - Unlike Buffett's investment in freely tradable silver, Mitchell's coins may be seen as a "metallic penalty" awaiting policy changes for redemption [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Kyle Mitchell's investment strategy of hoarding nickel coins as a hedge against inflation, drawing parallels to Warren Buffett's historical investment in silver coins [2][6]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - Kyle Mitchell has accumulated $250,000 worth of nickel coins, totaling 5 million coins, weighing nearly 30 tons, as a means to hedge against inflation [2][3]. - The current metal value of these coins is approximately $290,000, exceeding their face value due to the rising costs of copper and nickel [5][6]. - Mitchell's approach involves exchanging cash for coins at various banks, a process that took over four months and required significant effort due to bank limitations on coin exchanges [6][7]. Group 2: Market Context - The article highlights the recent surge in gold and silver prices, prompting Mitchell to focus on more industrially relevant metals like nickel and copper [2]. - Copper prices have increased by about 23% this year, while nickel prices have remained stable [5]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Considerations - Mitchell's strategy raises legal concerns, as U.S. law prohibits the melting or export of nickel coins, which could result in significant penalties [7]. - Despite the legal risks, Mitchell believes that the intrinsic value of the coins will remain stable, and he anticipates potential future appreciation as metal resources become scarcer [7][8].