I think we have a similar problem here in the UK with 1 & 2 pence coins costing more than what they are worth. It's not entirely clear though as The Royal Mint

I think we have a similar problem here in the UK with 1 & 2 pence coins costing more than what they are worth. It's not entirely clear though as The Royal Mint doesn't reveal their production costs, but it really wouldn't surprise me if making the 1/2p coins run at a loss