Coins cost more to make than face value

http://www.usatoday.com/money/2006-05-09-penny-usat_x.htm

EXCERPTS from article written in 2006:

"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 estimates take into account rising metals prices as well as processing, labor and transportation costs. Based on current metals prices, the value of the metal in a nickel alone is a little more than 5 cents. The metal in a penny, however, is still worth less than a penny."

"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."

Biofuels for Transport: Global Potential and Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Energy in the 21st Century

Biofuels for Transport: Global Potential and Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Energy in the 21st Century

Worldwatch Institute
ISBN 978-1-84407-422-8
Hardback
480 pages

Biofuels for Transport provides a one-stop resource for understanding the complete scope of impacts from large scale production of biofuels.

“Biofuels for Transport is an insightful and timely study of how biofuels can reach their potential to strengthen energy security, promote economic development, and protect the environment. This much-needed analysis will benefit both policymakers and practitioners.”
— Senator Richard Lugar

“A compelling synthesis of the current and future trends in biofuels, with a thorough assessment of actions that must be taken to ensure the sustainable development of t his industry.”
—Amory Lovins, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute

“An essential treatment of this vital subject.”
—Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, USA





CONTENTS

Part I Status and Global Trends

Currrent Status of the Biofuel Industry and Markets
Liquid Biofuels: A Primer
First-Generation Feedstocks
Part II New Technologies, Crops and Prospects

Next-Generation Feedstocks
New Technologies for Converting Biomass into Liquid Fuels
Long-Term Biofuel Production Potentials
Part III Key Economic and Energy Security

Economic and Energy Security
Implications for Agriculture and Rural Development
International Trade in Biofuels
Part IV Key Environmental Isssues

Energy Balances of Current and Future Biofuels
Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Stablility
Environmental Impacts of Feedstock Production
Environmental Impacts of Processing, Transport and Use
Part V Market Introduction and Technology Strategies

Infrastructure Requirements
Vehicle and Engine Technologies
Transfer of Technology and Expertise
Part VI The Policy Framework

Biofuel Policies Around the World
Standards and Certification Schemes
Part VII Recommendations

Recommendations for Decision-Makers
Part VIII Country Studies

Biofuels for Transportation in China
Biofuels for Transportation in India
Biofuels for Transportation in Tanzania
Biofuels for Transportation in Brazil
Biofuels for Transportation in Germany