2010 US Census projects 308 million people living in USA..figure how many cents are already floating in circulation, it’s mind boggling. Why did the Mint feel it so important to produce this many new cents with the current economic issues all tax payers are facing?? You are right about the metal issue, but pretty soon inflation will force us to round up to the nearest dollar, making fractional coinage a thing of the past, and will only produce for collectors. Then all of the backed up dollar coins will be the new “CENT” weighing down our pockets, IF we’re lucky enough to have a few to jingle. I’m starting to believe the monetary meltdown conspiracy rumors more each day.