Teh End of an Era: Why the U.S. Mint Stopped Making Pennies
For over two centuries, the humble penny has been a fixture of American commerce. But as of November 2025, the U.S. Mint has pressed its final Lincoln cent, marking the end of an era.This decision, initially ordered by President Trump in February, isn’t simply about spare change. It’s a complex issue with economic, sentimental, and possibly far-reaching consequences.
Why the Penny Was Phased out
The core reason for eliminating the penny is simple economics. For years, the U.S. Treasury has argued that the coin costs more too produce than it’s actually worth. Currently, it costs approximately 3.69 cents to make a single penny.
This translates to an estimated loss of $56 million annually for the government.While seemingly small, these costs add up, prompting the move to discontinue production.
Reactions to the Penny’s demise
The news has sparked varied reactions from everyday Americans. Some view the penny as a relic of the past, while others hold onto a sense of nostalgia.
* “I’m not gonna be sad to see it go,” says Chamawnn Meadow, reflecting a pragmatic view. “Pennies were ammo in my house. that was about it.”
* Aida Chang echoes this sentiment, questioning the necessity of a coin rarely used. ”if you don’t use it, why do you need it?”
* However, for many, the penny represents cherished memories. T. Walker shared, “My granddad used to have me sit down and roll coins with him. The penny actually means quite a bit to me.”
Impact on Businesses
The change also affects businesses. Kristie Lee Jones, co-owner of Lee’s Flower Shop in Washington, D.C., acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the decision. While most customers don’t pay with exact change, offering the option was appreciated.
Going forward, businesses like Lee’s may need to round up prices to the nearest five cents. As Jones notes, “yeah, still got plenty in here. For now!”
Could the Penny Have Been Saved?
According to Gabriel Mathy, an associate professor of economics at American University, there was a potential solution. Producing the penny with a different, less expensive base metal – such as aluminum – could have offset the production costs.
“it’s an American icon. I would’ve kept making it,” Mathy stated, highlighting the coin’s cultural significance.
What’s Next? The Future of U.S. Currency
Unfortunately, the penny may not be the only coin facing elimination. Mathy warns that the nickel is also “underwater,” costing more than five cents to produce. This raises the possibility of further adjustments to U.S.currency in the future.
* Nickel’s Fate: The nickel’s production cost exceeding its value mirrors the penny’s situation.
* Collector’s Value: As pennies become increasingly scarce, their value as collector’s items may rise.
Despite the end of production, don’t expect pennies to vanish overnight. Approximately 300 billion pennies are currently in circulation, ensuring they’ll remain a part of our lives for years to come.
Sources:
* NBC Washington: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/unlucky-penny-us-mint-in-philly-to-press-final-penny/4015179/
* NBC Washington: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/trump-stop-minting-new-pennies/3840343/
