The Senate has passed the Common Cents Act by unanimous consent, moving the U.S. closer to formally ending penny production and opening the door to a cheaper version of the nickel. The measure, after a version already cleared the House, would allow businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel, a step supporters say would remove confusion in states and localities that restrict the practice. Pennies would remain legal tender, and the Federal Reserve would be required to limit disruptions in penny supply. The legislation also authorizes the Treasury to test a new five-cent coin made from a "composition of zinc and nickel" if testing shows it lowers costs and "has a minimal adverse impact on machines designed to accept coins." The push reflects long-running cost pressures at the Mint: producing a nickel cost 13.31 cents in fiscal year 2025, after 13.78 cents in fiscal year 2024, marking 20 straight years that the coin cost more to make than its face value.