Congress killed the penny — now it's coming for the 13-cent nickel

The United States government is moving toward a significant overhaul of its physical currency system. According to coverage from Fox News, Congress has already killed the penny and is now turning its attention toward the nickel, which the outlet describes as a 13-cent coin. This legislative movement is tied to the 'Common Cents Act,' a proposal that aims to change the fundamental nature of how cash transactions are handled. The act specifically focuses on the mechanisms used for rounding during cash purchases, suggesting a shift away from the smallest denominations of the U.S. Reporting from WBIR emphasizes the operational impact of the 'Common Cents Act,' noting that the legislation could change how cash purchases are rounded at the point of sale.

This trend is being tracked by various outlets, including U.S. News Money, which provides guidance on what consumers need to know about the final days of the penny. Additionally, Forvis Mazars US has highlighted these developments in its 'From the Hill' report dated October 6, 2026, indicating that the movement to phase out low-value coinage is a primary focus of current legislative activity in Washington. Context provided by the coverage suggests that the removal of the penny was the first step in a broader effort to streamline the currency system. The transition to a world without pennies has already begun, leading to the current debate over the nickel.

The mention of the nickel as a '13-cent' coin in Fox News coverage indicates a specific economic or production context regarding the coin's value relative to its cost, which serves as the catalyst for congressional interest in its elimination. This shift reflects a broader move toward digital payments or simplified cash rounding. Future developments will center on the progress of the 'Common Cents Act' as it moves through the legislative process. Observers are watching to see if the proposed changes to cash rounding are formally adopted and how the transition from the penny to the nickel's potential removal will be managed. While MS NOW has provided opinion-based commentary on the matter, the factual trajectory remains focused on whether the nickel will follow the penny into obsolescence.