The US Congress has given the US Mint the job of finding ways to make coins more efficiently and the Mint is seeking public comments on researching alternative metallic content.
The US trade association, the AAMA, is concerned that radical changes could mean re-equipping a million coin-operated amusement machines and about the same number of gambling and other leisure machines, with fresh coin-accepting equipment.
“The cost could run into half a billion dollars,” said the AAMA, encouraging members to write to the Mint to warn them of a potential burden a change in coins would cost businesses and customers.”
It added: “This is critical for our industry.” The deadline for responses is June 6.
