Notable News (May 6-12, 2025)

This week’s headlines include nickel production costs, a U.S. Mint award-winning quarter, New York’s bullion tax exemption, and the Harvey G. Stack Award recipient.

The U.S. Treasury is exploring alternative metals for nickels. At a House Appropriations Committee panel, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it costs more than five cents to produce nickels, and that the government is looking at “changes in the materials that would reduce the cost to or below a nickel.”

Photo: Getty Images/Willowpix

At the 32nd Mint Directors Conference in Cape Town, the U.S. Mint won in the Best Circulating Coin or Coin Series category for its American Women Quarter honoring Jovita Idar. Designed by John P. McGraw, the coin honors Idar’s legacy with inscriptions highlighting her many roles. The quarter was chosen from 112 nominations.

Photo: U.S. Mint

The National Coin & Bullion Association (NCBA) and its New York members successfully preserved New York’s sales-tax exemption on bullion and precious-metal purchases over $1,000 by defeating a repeal proposal. Protected under Statute 1115(a)(27), the exemption remains intact following the passage of Senate Bill S3009, signed into law on May 9.

Photo: Getty Images/New York (map) & ssucsy (coin)

Greg Roberts, CEO of Stack’s Bowers Galleries and A-Mark Precious Metals, received the Harvey G. Stack Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Numismatists Guild at the Central States Numismatic Society convention. Known for his expertise in precious metals and rare coins, Roberts continues to lead innovative efforts that shape the future of numismatics.

Photo: Stack’s Bowers Galleries