No, it was from 1997 [1], not the Great Depression. It was intended to allow the minting of smaller denomination coins, but did not specify that in the text, so

No, it was from 1997 [1], not the Great Depression. It was intended to allow the minting of smaller denomination coins, but did not specify that in the text, so a textual reading will not forbid this usage. [1] https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/3610/text#:~:text=The%20Secretary%20may%20mint%20and%20issue%20bullion%20and%20proof%20platinum%20%0Acoins%20in%20accordance%20with%20such%20specifications%2C%20designs%2C%20varieties%2C%20%0Aquantities%2C%20denominations%2C%20and%20inscriptions%20as%20the%20Secretary https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/3610...