Is It Legal to Melt U.S. Coins?

By GovMint :

The United States currently prohibits melting down pennies and nickels, with some exceptions.These rules were put in place to prevent the exploitation of the metal content in these coins, which can sometimes exceed their face value, ensuring these denominations remain in circulation and are not hoarded or destroyed for their metal.

Individuals are generally allowed to melt other coins, such as silver dimes, quarters, and half-dollars, as long as they are not doing so for profit. For example, if you're melting coins for personal use, such as creating art or jewelry, and not for the purpose of selling the metal, it is typically permissible.

Sources Used:

https://www.usmint.gov/news/press-releases/20061214-united-states-mint-moves-to-limit-exportation-melting-of-coins 

https://www.coincollecting.com/is-it-illegal-to-melt-u-s-coins