Introduced in House — H.R. 4459

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 4459

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 16, 2025

Mr. Lucas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

A BILL

To amend title 31 to permit an alternative composition of the 5-cent coin and to eliminate the one-cent coin, and for other purposes.

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Modernize and Improve our National Tender Act of 2025 or the MINT Act of 2025.

Sec. 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:

weighs—
(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).; and

(B)

in paragraph (6)—

(i)

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

(ii)

by striking 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)

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. ; and

(4)

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, 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.