119-HR3074

Bill is currently in: House
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House Senate President

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 3074

1. Short title
2. Specifications of 5-cent coins and elimination of one-cent coins

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the "Common Cents Act".

2. Specifications of 5-cent coins and elimination of one-cent coins

Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, is amended—

(1) - in subsection (a)—

(A) - in paragraph (5), by striking "weighs 5 grams." and inserting the following:

(A) - 5 grams, with respect to such coin that is an alloy of copper and nickel; or

(B) - between 4 and 6 grams, with respect to such coin as described in subsection (c).

(B) - in paragraph (6)—

(i) - by striking "except as provided under subsection (c) of this section,"; and

(ii) - by striking "and weighs 3.11 grams";

(2) - in subsection (b)—

(A) - in the sixth sentence—

(i) - by inserting "either" before "an alloy"; and

(ii) - by inserting "or a composition described in subsection (c)" before the period;

(B) - by inserting "with respect to such coins that are an alloy of copper and nickel" after "nickel required"; and

(C) - by striking "Except" through "zinc" and inserting "The one-cent coin is composed of copper and zinc";

(3) 5-cent coin - by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

(c) 5-cent coin

(1) In general - The 5-cent coin may be a coin with an inner layer of zinc and an outer layer of nickel.

(2) Composition - The Secretary may prescribe the composition of zinc and nickel in the 5-cent coin, subject to testing and evaluation that such composition reduces the cost incurred to produce such coin.

(4) Elimination of one-cent coin - by adding at the end the following:

(bb) Elimination of one-cent coin

(1) In general - Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall cease production of one-cent coins for general circulation, but may continue to produce and issue one-cent coins for sale as numismatic items.

(2) No effect on legal tender - Any one-cent coin that is minted and issued on any date before the date of the enactment of this subsection shall remain legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues.