Save your pennies! (Just don't melt them down)

The U.S. Mint has just placed a ban on melting down 1 and 5 cent coins as they have received inquiries recently as to whether or not the practice is legal. Apparently your pennies and nickels are worth more melted down than they are in their coin form face values. The new ban carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison with up to a $10,000 fine. You can read more about the ban here.