Why not make our own currency with copper and nickel?

Angie J asked:


I can’t afford gold or very much silver even. And they are not putting copper and nickel in our currency. Why not just buy copper and nickel and make our own currency that actually has instrinsic value? What do you think? I think it is a great idea. +++ One more question.. Does anyone know what a real copper or real nickel would be worth today if it had the actual real metal in it still?