Pennies

In England we have a phrase "I haven't got 2 pennies to rub together" In america do you you refer to cents dimes or nickels instead of pennies ?

I believe it's nickles but I'll have to check. We also say, "He doesn't have a pot to p*ss in or a window to throw it out." That's from chamberpot days.

Or, "He's too poor to pay attention." "...too poor to spend the night." And so forth.

Nickels.

I've heard "two red cents" which would be pennies.