The U.S. Mint Ends Penny Production After 230 Years

After more than 230 years of circulation, the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia has struck its final penny, officially ending production of the one-cent coin.

The decision marks a historic shift away from physical cash as production costs continue to outweigh the coin’s value. In 2024, it cost 3.69 cents to make a single penny, resulting in an $85 million loss for the Treasury.

A Symbolic End to an Era

The penny’s story began in 1792, the same year the U.S. Mint opened. From early copper coins featuring Lady Liberty to the familiar Lincoln cent introduced in 1909, the penny has been a part of daily life for generations.

Over the decades, the coin’s design has changed — from wheat stalks to the Lincoln Memorial and, most recently, the Union Shield design added in 2010. Special runs, including steel pennies during World War II and collectible versions from the West Point Mint, helped mark milestones in its history.

Why the Penny Is Being Retired

The Mint stopped ordering penny blanks in May 2025 and will fully end production by early 2026. The decision comes as the use of cash continues to decline and the cost of making pennies climbs year after year.

Still, the penny will remain legal tender. There are 114 billion pennies already in circulation, and they won’t be recalled or demonetized.

What Happens Next

Retailers and banks are already adjusting. Some stores have begun asking for exact change or rounding transactions to the nearest nickel as penny supplies shrink. The Federal Reserve has announced that future distribution will depend on existing inventory.

Experts predict that the transition will be gradual, with pennies slowly disappearing from circulation over time — much like other countries that have phased out low-value coins.

For consumers, digital payments and larger coins will continue as usual, but small changes at the register may soon become part of history.

The Bottom Line

The penny’s retirement closes a chapter in American currency history, reflecting how technology, cost, and culture continue to reshape the way we handle money.