See a penny, pick it up… but soon there won’t be as many to find.
The U.S. Mint has ended production of the one-cent coin, formally retiring a currency that has circulated since the nation’s early financial days. First introduced in 1793 under the Coinage Act of 1792, the penny has been a symbol of American commerce for over 200 years. Now, federal officials say it no longer meets modern economic standards.
The decision follows an assessment by the U.S. Treasury Department that producing pennies is no longer necessary. Under 31 U.S.C. § 5111(a) and § 5112, the Secretary of the Treasury has the authority to mint coins and suspend production when they are no longer essential to the economy. With production costs far exceeding face value, the penny has become a costly tradition.
Each penny now costs about 3.69 cents to make, largely due to the rising prices of zinc and copper. Ending production is expected to save the federal government an estimated $56 million annually. While the penny will remain legal tender, officials expect a gradual decline in usage as fewer coins circulate. A final ceremonial strike took place in Philadelphia on November 12, 2025.
Reactions to the announcement have ranged from disbelief to indifference. “It’s hard to believe that pennies are going to be a thing of the past,” said paraprofessional Patricia Pagella, reflecting the surprise many feel about losing such a familiar and widely collected item.
Others see the decision as long overdue. Business education teacher Cathy Gilligan said her initial reaction was muted. “I didn’t think much about it,” she said. “Sweden got rid of low-value coins in 2017.” She believes the motivation is simple: “It’s not cost-effective to produce pennies anymore, so the government will save money. It’s always about money.”
For households, the change may not be noticeable. Pennies may slowly disappear from change jars, but daily routines are unlikely to change significantly. “I don’t think the everyday shopper cares too much. We know a penny does not have much value when we don’t care if we get back the change when it’s a penny or two,” Gilligan said.
Many young consumers don’t feel the effects, as they already rely on digital payments. Junior Alexander Smylianets said the end of penny production will not affect him personally. “I never used physical currency, and I use tap-to-pay, so it won’t change anything.”
Additionally, retailers are preparing for cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five cents, while other payment methods will still have an exact charge. Some worry about raised prices through rounding, but Gilligan dismissed that concern. “I don’t think it will cause high inflation,” she said, claming prices will balance out over time.
Still, some concerns remain about eliminating pennies. Gilligan cautioned that the end of pennies could warrant a broader shift. “Some concerns might be that it will be the beginning of the government working towards a cashless society, which would stifle our freedom,” she said. “I don’t mind getting rid of the penny, but I don’t want to become a cashless society.”
For many, however, the change feels inevitable. “It doesn’t matter as much anymore because most people pay electronically, so pennies have less of a need than ever,” said history teacher Steven Racine.
As the U.S. prepares to move on from its iconic penny, its legacy—and the debates surrounding its disappearance—will continue to shape American society.
