After more than 230 years of circulation, the United States Mint has struck its final one-cent coins, ending production of the penny. In a ceremony at the Philadelphia facility, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach pressed the button that produced the last batch of pennies—a decision driven by rising manufacturing costs and dwindling usefulness of the smallest denomination. 

 

Each penny now costs nearly four cents to make, and discontinuing its production is expected to save the U.S. Treasury roughly $56 million annually. Although no new pennies will be minted for circulation, the coins already in use—hundreds of billions—remain legal tender. 

 

The move follows a directive from Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate the penny on fiscal efficiency grounds. Retailers and banks are now adjusting as they await a shift in cash-transaction norms; some have begun rounding prices or rationing existing penny supplies. 

 

While the penny’s retirement reflects practical concerns, historians note its symbolic weight: introduced in 1793, the coin captured aspects of U.S. history, identity and design. With production ending, attention turns to how the economy and everyday cash transactions will adapt—and what comes next for other small-value coins.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

The U.S. has officially ended production of the penny, after more than two centuries of minting, due to production costs exceeding its face value.

 

Though no new pennies will be made for circulation, existing 1-cent coins remain legal tender and are still in widely held circulation.

 

Retailers and financial institutions are preparing for changes in cash transactions (such as price rounding), as this longstanding coin begins to fade from practical use.

 

 

Adapted From 

https://apnews.com/article/us-mint-treasury-department-penny-end-production-86139df5644ef0885a9baf98e9677380

its cost us 13.4 cents to press one, which is stupid because since 82 they are mostly nickle and copper washed so yeh, long over due. Nickles and dimes should be next and soon.

Last penny photo.

 

 

Why doesn't the US start with scaling down its unnecessary military and weapons production?

14 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Why doesn't the US start with scaling down its unnecessary military and weapons production?

Why is it unnecessary?

So how am I supposed to walk into a store and pay $1.99 for a Snickers bar, now, unless I agree to scrapping cash and being forced into digital payments.

On 11/13/2025 at 7:56 AM, Bacon1 said:

the coins already in use

will be melted down for scrap

On 11/13/2025 at 8:05 AM, Slowhand225 said:

its cost us 13.4 cents to press one, which is stupid because since 82 they are mostly nickle and copper washed so yeh, long over due. Nickles and dimes should be next and soon.

From the OP..................Each penny now costs nearly four cents to make,

35 minutes ago, John Drake said:

So how am I supposed to walk into a store and pay $1.99 for a Snickers bar, now, unless I agree to scrapping cash and being forced into digital payments.

It’s 2.07 with tax.

Anybody want to buy the Last Penny? $9.99

The price to mint the coin is irrelevant as it stays in circulation for decades. Paper banknotes deteriorate rapidly, but I hate the polymer notes.

 

Long live cash

 

Edit: I think stores will price everything to round up in their favor eg .X6-.X9 so it looks less expensive.  When it goes in your cart you're paying an extra 5%. Hopefully, they just round up or down the final total.

2 hours ago, TedG said:

It’s 2.07 with tax.

 

Even worse. They'll round up at the cash register to $2.10, instead of $2.00, because they will always round up.

4 hours ago, TedG said:

Why is it unnecessary?

Think about costs versus benefits. How does the military benefit Americans? Here's a couple off the top of my head: Employs thousands of unemployables; keeps arms dealers in business.

 

Has America the right to interfere in sovereign foreign nations' affairs? Why are they the MPs of the world. Do you want to pay for what the US military means? I don't and...I won't. Let 'em come & get me.

 

It's not my problem. I live in Thailand ❤️

 

Waiting for them to do away with satang coins. Too often I see 1b coins in the BKK street. People to lazy to pick it up. 

 

See a penny pick it up all they day you'll have good luck! 

 

My father was mental about money in the streets. He'd always tell me to pick up the coins - it's money, have respect for it ..