[Freedom4US]

The downside is that thieves come out of the woodwork to take advantage, stripping homes and businesses (vacant or not) of copper wiring, plumbing, A/C compressors, etc. Even bronze Legion markers at cemetaries are stolen for scrap value.

[stylin19a]

Since 2006, it has cost more than face value to produce the cent and nickel due to the increased costs of base metals. The current composition of the cent is 2.5% copper and 97.5% zinc. The current composition of the nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel.

the real downside is, the taxpayers are paying more for minting pennies & nickels than what they are worth.

[blam]

"The downside is that thieves come out of the woodwork to take advantage, stripping homes and businesses (vacant or not) of copper wiring, plumbing, A/C compressors, etc. Even bronze Legion markers at cemetaries are stolen for scrap value."

That's true...same around here. Good photo identification is now required around here at scrap yards.