All U.S. currency is backed by nothing more than a politicians word any more any way. Hasn't been minted with or backed by anything of real value in a long time........sad state of affairs.
They got to be kidding. They say they are trying to bring down production cost. Why don't they make coins that will last. How about a copper covered titanium penny instead of the vanishing zincons. Production cost could be brought down by cutting volume of production. Frank...
And I quote the article: After spending $8.1 million on research, scientists discovered six potential metal alloys for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters that could save the government between $30 and $40 million a year.
I could have done the study for half of that...
(and subsequently retired to a Caribbean island with cold beer and pretty women)