Answer:
B. the cost has soared to 1.8 cents per penny.
Explanation:
In the given sentence, the reproduction of the given sentence means changing the sentence or particular line into a more refined or better version. This will be in tune with maintaining the meaning of the replaced line or words while trying to 'change' it.
While the first part of the sentence provides the previous cost of making pennies, the second part is about the current cost. And in the given sentence, "the cost has changed in a noteworthy way" can be changed into "the cost has soared to 1.8 cents per penny" to make the point much clearer. This change will ensure that the readers know and understand the 'hike' in the cost of penny making, which also completes the comparison.
Thus, the correct answer is option B.