You Know Your Currency Is Cooked When...

Melt a penny, go to jail. There are some exceptions.

Some of the exceptions allow for small amounts of these coins to be exported as pocket change, and for recreational and numismatic purposes. Other exceptions include the treatment of minor quantities of these coins for educational, amusement, novelty, jewelry and similar purposes.

They do mention that a penny's copper is worth more than the penny. This is especially sad because a penny is only 2.5% copper.