The Last Penny Ever Made: The End of America’s One-Cent Coin After 230+ Years

By Williams Elite Realty • Published November 14, 2025

On November 12, 2025, the United States Mint struck the final batch of pennies for general circulation at the Philadelphia Mint, officially ending more than 230 years of continuous one-cent coin production. This historic moment—confirmed by reports from the Associated Press, The Washington Post, Reuters, and Financial Times— marks a dramatic shift in U.S. monetary policy.

While billions of pennies remain in circulation and continue to be legal tender, the era of producing new pennies has come to an end due to skyrocketing manufacturing costs, metal market volatility, and the declining purchasing power of the coin itself.

Why the Penny Was Finally Discontinued

1. It Cost 3.69 Cents to Make 1 Penny

According to U.S. Mint financial disclosures, the cost to manufacture a single penny—including raw zinc, copper plating, labor, shipping, and administrative overhead—rose to 3.69 cents in 2025. This made every new penny an automatic loss.

The Mint has reported similar losses for over a decade, but 2024–2025 metal price increases accelerated the issue. Ending production is projected to save U.S. taxpayers $50–60 million annually.

2. Inflation Completely Destroyed the Penny’s Buying Power

In 1913, a penny had the equivalent buying power of 30 cents today. In 2025, it buys essentially nothing—not even a piece of candy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator illustrates the dramatic erosion of value. Modern retail environments struggle to use pennies effectively, and cash transactions are slowed down by their presence.

3. The U.S. Is Following Global Trends

Countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, the Netherlands, and Ireland eliminated their lowest-value coins years ago without increasing inflation or harming consumers. Studies from the European Central Bank confirm that rounding rules protect consumers and simplify business operations.

The Final Penny: What Happened on November 12, 2025?

In a ceremonial strike event, U.S. Treasurer L. Geronimo Bessent oversaw the minting of the final batch of pennies intended for general circulation. A limited number will be produced later as collector editions, but mass-production has ended.

According to reports:

• The Philadelphia Mint created the final run.
• Pennies already in circulation remain legal tender indefinitely.
• Retailers will gradually shift toward cash-transaction rounding (0–4 down, 5–9 up).
• No Congressional vote was required to halt production—only to abolish the coin entirely.

What Happens Now? Impact on Consumers and Businesses

1. Rounding Begins in Cash Transactions

Digital payments continue to decimals as normal, but cash payments are rounded to the nearest nickel—just like Canada. Studies show consumers neither lose nor gain; rounding averages out evenly.

2. Billions of Pennies Will Circulate for Decades

There are an estimated 150+ billion pennies still in circulation. They aren’t disappearing anytime soon, but no new coins are replacing damaged or removed pennies.

3. Collectors Are Already Paying Premiums

Coin collectors are preparing for increased values for:

• “Last Strike” Philadelphia 2025 Lincoln cents
• Mint-sealed 2025 rolls
• Special commemorative sets that the Mint will sell in 2026

Historical Context: The End of an American Icon

The Lincoln penny debuted in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It is the longest-running coin design in American history.

Ending penny production echoes the retirement of the half-cent in 1857, another coin rendered obsolete by inflation.

FAQs About the Last U.S. Penny Ever Made

Final Thoughts

The final U.S. penny marks a historic transition in American currency. After more than two centuries, the penny’s story has come to a close—not because Americans stopped caring about it, but because economic reality finally caught up with tradition.