Why it Matters

Artazn LLC, the largest zinc strip producer in North America, has escalated its lobbying efforts by hiring Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP while keeping Polsinelli PC on retainer. This dual-firm strategy signals the company’s most aggressive advocacy push in nearly two decades. The Tennessee-based company supplies copper-plated zinc blanks for U.S. pennies. Multiple bipartisan bills threaten to eliminate the coin entirely.

By the Numbers

Historical Spending:

New Lobbying Team:

Five registered lobbyists from Brownstein, including Matthew J. Grinney, who previously worked for Sen. Mike Lee. Lauren Nunnally Flynn has direct coinage experience from representing Coinstar LLC. Greta Hanson Joynes, Alfred Ellis Mottur, and Leah Conway Dempsey round out the team with financial services and congressional experience.

Broader Context

Penny production costs taxpayers $85.3 million annually. Each coin costs 3.69 cents to produce and distribute. Congress has shown increased interest in domestic mining and critical minerals through recent Senate Energy Committee and House Natural Resources Committee hearings. These discussions about strengthening U.S. supply chains could benefit arguments for preserving domestic zinc usage.

The Agenda

Artazn is lobbying on “currency policy and coinage affecting the zinc industry.” The company specifically supports the Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2025 (H.R.1278). This bill would give the U.S. Mint Director authority to modify coin composition. It offers a pathway to preserve pennies while reducing production costs through cheaper materials.

Competitive Landscape

Coinstar LLC is also lobbying on “issues related to minting and coinage.” The coin-processing company uses Brownstein as well, suggesting coordinated advocacy. This alliance connects the material supplier with a downstream industry player. Both companies benefit from continued coin circulation rather than elimination.

Between The Lines

Multiple bipartisan bills threaten penny elimination. The Common Cents Act (S.1525) from Senators Lummis and Gillibrand would cease penny production. Rep. Lisa McClain’s House version passed through the House Financial Services Committee. Rep. Andy Biggs introduced the Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act (H.R.1401) for a ten-year production pause. Sen. Mike Lee’s lobbying team member Grinney provides inside knowledge of elimination efforts.

The Bottom Line

Artazn faces its biggest legislative threat in two decades of lobbying. The company is betting that cost-saving composition changes can satisfy lawmakers without eliminating coins entirely. Success depends on whether Congress prioritizes taxpayer savings through elimination or domestic manufacturing preservation through modernization.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!

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