The Mad Bishounen

I gave this to a Barnes and Noble clerk to mull over earlier today. I've solved it myself, at least I think I have, but I thought I would share it for kicks.

What is the minimum number of (American) coins required to make any amount up to $1?

If you get a solution, dump it in the comments, I'll give mine in a bit.

ETA: For pete's sake, people, there's no trick >< Here, I'll give my solution in white, select to see:

My best answer so far is ten coins, but there are two possible combinations.

3 quarters

2 dimes

EITHER:

1 nickel and 4 pennies

ETA: Actually, now that I think about it, my alternate solution doesn't work, so there's just the one.


Clearly I shall have to be more devious in my future postings.