Most Canadians greeted the news that their government would stop minting pennies later this year with tepid approval. This is, after all, the same country that eliminated $1 and $2 paper bills in the 1980s. South of the border, the reaction could charitably be called muted. “Once more people know that this is the (last year they’ll be made), they might inspire interest by collectors,” said Court Peterson, a store clerk for Coins Plus, a Spokane coin trader. “Or it may not.” The Canadian explanation for ditching the penny came down to saving money in a tough budget year. It costs 1.6 cents to produce a Canadian penny, with an annual price tag of $11 million. Other countries that have taken the same step include the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway and Switzerland/Tom Sowa, SR. More here. (Jesse Tinsley SR photo: Court Peterson, who sells precious metals and coins, holds a bag of 1964 Canadian pennies at Coins Plus in Spokane on Friday)

Question: Should the U.S. get rid of the penny, too?