Stephen Roach
Numismatist at the American Numismatic Association who provides expertise on the history and production of U.S. coins, including the final pennies.
Best podcasts with Stephen Roach
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Dec 31, 2025 • 7min
An unwelcome surprise for some student loan borrowers
Stephen Roach, a numismatist from the American Numismatic Association, dives deep into the fascinating world of the penny. He discusses the historical significance of the Coinage Act of 1792 and how minting technology has evolved over the centuries. Roach reveals that it currently costs 3.4 cents to produce a single penny, yet the coin is still suspended, not demonetized. Interestingly, despite the U.S. Mint halting production, he predicts the penny will linger in circulation for decades, much to the delight of collectors who are paying top dollar for the last minted coins.
Dec 31, 2025 • 7min
An unwelcome surprise for some student loan borrowers
Samantha Fields, a consumer finance journalist, discusses the alarming return of wage garnishments for federal student loan defaults, impacting millions who may be caught off guard. Stephen Roach, a numismatist, shares insights on the penny's storied history, from its origin to its recent production halt. The conversation touches on how rising copper prices influenced the penny's size and composition, and the surprising auction value of the last pennies, highlighting a historical moment in U.S. currency.
