How long is a coin's life?

The average coin has a life span of approximately 25 years. Coins can remain in circulation for many years past the average as long as they are not worn, damaged or otherwise uncountable by a machine.

Once a coin is damaged to the point where it is uncountable by a machine, the coin is no longer considered valid currency and should be redeemed at a Federal Reserve Bank or through the United States Mint if it is mutilated. The bank sends these coins to the U.S. Mint, where they are melted down to be used to make new coinage strips.