In a message dated 98-12-01 10:33:41 EST, you write: << Pennies minted after 1982, the year the US Mint began making pennies with a zinc core and a thin copper coating, can cause gastric irritation and ulceration if swallowed. >> So, should we now x-ray all penny ingestions? I don't guess screening stool for a penny will work anymore since it might not look like a penny even if it does pass, eh? Anyone using metal detectors? Andrew MD