Americans will never see a penny dated 2026 or later, as the US Mint officially ends production of the 1-cent coin after more than two centuries in circulation. The final penny was struck on Wednesday at the Philadelphia Mint, closing out a chapter that began back in 1792.
“There are an estimated 300 billion pennies in circulation — far exceeding the amount needed for commerce,” the Mint said in a statement. While the coin will remain legal tender, no new pennies will ever be released into everyday use.
Officials said the move comes down to economics and modern payment trends. Each penny now costs 3.69 cents to make, according to Mint data — more than triple its face value. “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on,” said Acting Director Kristie McNally, reports WBLS.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 10, 2025
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to stop production of the penny pic.twitter.com/ZuVkDRabch
