How much does it cost to make a penny?

http://www.usatoday.com/money/2006-05-09-penny-usat_x.htm
USA Today pointed out on 5/9/06, it costs more than a penny to make a penny!

The Mint estimates it will cost 1.23 cents per penny and 5.73 cents per nickel this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. The cost of producing a penny has risen 27% in the last year, while nickel manufacturing costs have risen 19%...

The Federal Reserve, which distributes money to banks, pays face value for coins. If a coin costs less to manufacture than the face value, the Mint makes a profit. Last year, the Mint's coin-making profit was $730 million. Mint officials estimate the added penny and nickel expenses will reduce the Mint's profit this year by $45 million.

According to the US Mint, as of 2000, it cost slightly less than a penny to make a penny: 0.81 cents.

The cost of making the penny and other US coins can be found here:
http://www.usmint.gov/faqs/circulating_coins/index.cfm?action=faq_circulating_coin#cost

A related fact: Prior to 1982, pennies were made of an alloy of 95% copper, and 5% zinc. But as the cost of copper rose, a penny's worth of copper started costing more than 1 cent. So pennies are now made with 97.5% zinc, plated with 2.5% copper.

As of 2007, due to the rise in the cost of zinc, it cost 1.7 cents to make a penny. I saw a recent report that stated that as of 2008 we we now payong 2 cents to every penny....pathetic...

I think I read somewhere that it costs about 5 cents..which is why there is talk of eliminating the penny. I also read that it costs about a dime to make a nickel! Happy Tuesday! :)

According to the US Mint:

http://www.usmint.gov/faqs/circulating_coins/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=faq_circulating_coin

It's 0.93 cent. Almost the same value huh?