The End is Here!
U.S. Mint Finishes Penny Production After 232 Years
This year, we’ve seen quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding the cent. In February, President Trump ordered the Treasury to stop making pennies. Their production was planned to continue until the existing supply of planchets (blanks) had been exhausted.
Yesterday, November 12, 2025, proved to be that day. In a special ceremony at the Philadelphia Mint, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach produced the final U.S. cent for circulation. It does appear as though collectible versions will still be issued on a limited basis. For how long, though… that remains to be seen.
What comes next?
The main reason for the change (pardon the pun)? Production costs. It currently costs the U.S. Mint around 3.7 cents to produce a single cent. While nostalgia for the penny runs deep, it’s become apparent that the small yet mighty denomination has a diminished role in commerce – especially now, when electronic payments dominate transactions.
Cents should prove to be a part of our daily lives for some time to come. It’s estimated that 300 billion pennies are currently in circulation, and they’ll remain legal tender. Over time, the coins will become harder to find as they’re pulled from circulation due to attrition and collector interest.
Moving forward
Eventually, prices at the registers will be rounded. It’s likely that transactions ending in one or two cents will be rounded down, while those ending in three or four will be rounded up. Or, merchants could price items in convenient increments, which would minimize the need for pennies.
I’ve always thought of cents as lucky. If I see a penny, I’ll pick it up (only if it’s heads up!). I offer folks a penny for their thoughts.
As a collector, I never thought I’d see a day where the cent’s luck would run out! Its retirement marks the end of an era, reminding us that even the smallest things can leave a big imprint on history.
What are your thoughts on the end of the cent? Do you collect them – or, if not, do you plan to start now? Let me know in the comments section below!
I am okay with the penny being gone. I never give a penny or any change to pay with, I want the coins. I save the pennies I get dated 1982 and before. The rest of my change, after a look over, goes into savings.
A lot of people feel the same as you Ricky. The Lincoln Cent has been around for over 100 years, so it’ll be sad to see it go just because of it’s longevity, but from the perspective of commerce, apparently it’s time to let it go. Thanks for stopping by!
The story in the press stated that the “last” pennies would be put up for auction. To who? A limited amount available for purchase by collectors? I’m sure someone at the Mint will figure out how to make money on “the last penny issued,” whether that will be factually correct or not. Just wondering if we regular collectors will have a chance at a souvenier coin.
It’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out Rick. Thanks for visiting our blog.
yesterday my thoughts were only worth a penny….I guess they are worthless today
😀
Thank you for providing a way to have direct communication with Littleton Coin.
You’re welcome Richard. Thanks for checking out our blog!
You can also contact us directly, by chat, on the website – http://www.littletoncoin.com Mon-Fri from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM et.
Have a good day!
I’m wondering how you have available a San Francisco minted 2025 cent. I just discovered that the San Francisco mint ended in 1955.
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by. The San Francisco Mint stopped producing coins for circulation in 1955. The 2025 San Francisco Cents are Proof coins – they’re not intended for circulation. They’ve been making Proof coins at San Francisco since 1968.
it is worth to save pennies as a collector ?
the 1943 penny one cent , How much this is worth ?
Hi John, thanks for stopping by. We don’t promote coin collecting as an investment opportunity, but rather for the enjoyment of the hobby, so I’m sorry I really can’t answer your question on whether it’s “worth it”. If you’re a coin collector, working on a complete set of Lincoln Cents, it’s definitely worth it, I’d say! The 1943 Steel Cent, while very old, is still a pretty common coin if you know where to look. To find the value, I’d suggest you contact our Coin Buying Department. They’re available online at https://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/Coins-To-Sell . They are also available by phone from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 1-877-857-7850. Have a good day!
The history of US Coins shows the end of circulation for many coins starting with the Half Cent, Large Cent, Two Cent, Trime 3 Cent, 3 Cent Nickel, Half Dime 5 Cent, and Twenty Cent Piece, and higher denominations going up over $1. The Lincoln Penny had a very long run. It is sad to see it go. But the production costs outweigh the value. At least, we can find Pennies here. Thank you.
Hi Dan, thanks for visiting our blog. Well said. Have a good day!