Found the USA Today link about melting coins.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/2006-1...ban-usat_x.htm

Extracted Quote:

Under the new rules, it is illegal to melt pennies and nickels. It is
also illegal to export the coins for melting. Travelers may legally
carry up to $5 in 1- and 5-cent coins out of the USA or ship $100 of
the coins abroad "for legitimate coinage and numismatic purposes."

Violators could spend up to five years in prison and pay as much as
$10,000 in fines. Plus, the government will confiscate any coins or
metal used in melting schemes.