"Psst! Hey Bud! This penny cost me almost two cents - yours for just a penny! And this nickel cost almost eight cents - wanna buy it for a nickel?"

That's the United States Mint, selling its coins for below cost. As they have been doing for years.

How to handle the problem? Suggested fixes include using cheaper metals, or simply doing away with the coins altogether.

This show examines the cost of minting coins. Give it a listen at http://thetreasurecorner.com.

The photo, by the way, is of an alternative-metal nickel design.