U.S. Mint produces last batch of pennies
On November 12, 2025, the United States Mint’s Philadelphia facility struck the final production run of the penny, ending a 232-year run.
The last pennies produced were specially marked with a distinctive “omega” symbol, and rather than entering circulation, they will be auctioned for charitable causes.
The decision to halt production was driven by rising manufacturing costs that exceed the coin’s face value today, combined with diminished usage in daily transactions. Despite the end of new minting, existing pennies remain fully legal tender and may still be used for purchases.
Though the penny has served in U.S. circulation since the late 18th century, this marks a historic transition. Retailers, banks, and consumers now face a shifting landscape where change may soon round to nickels instead of pennies.
