The United States is facing a coin shortage, yet another side effect of the coronavirus health crisis. Coins are in short supply because many businesses have been closed and many Americans have been going out less to buy things. America’s central bank, the Federal Reserve System, announced in June that the supply system for metal money had been affected. The U.S. Mint and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged Americans to use coins when making purchases or deposit the coins into banks. As the economy recovers and businesses reopen, the coin supply is expected to return to normal. Yet businesses have urged buyers to make purchases electronically or use exact change whenever possible. Some businesses will not give change. Other businesses have offered products or services to customers in exchange for their coins. In exchange for $5 worth of coins, convenience store chain WaWa offered customers a free drink at some of its stores. If people brought in $50 or more in coins, they could get something to eat: a free sandwich.
