Trump KILLS Coin – Treasury Scrambles Overnight

A collection of coins featuring a gold coin surrounded by silver coins

The United States is minting its last penny, ending a 230-year tradition that has defined American commerce and culture.

Story Snapshot

The U.S. Treasury will halt production of pennies after more than two centuries.
The decision is driven by high production costs and declining use in daily transactions.
Existing pennies remain legal tender, but their circulation will gradually fade.
The move follows international trends and is expected to save taxpayers tens of millions annually.

The End of an Era

The U.S. penny, first authorized in 1792, has been a constant presence in American life. Its copper sheen and Lincoln profile have graced wallets, cash registers, and piggy banks for generations. Now, after more than 230 years, the Treasury has announced that no new pennies will be minted after early 2026. The final order of penny blanks has been placed, and distribution is winding down. This marks the first time in U.S. history that the nation’s lowest denomination coin will no longer be produced.

The decision comes after years of debate and mounting evidence that the penny costs more to produce than it is worth. In 2024, each penny cost 3.69 cents to make, resulting in an annual loss of $85.3 million to taxpayers. With digital payments on the rise and cash transactions declining, the penny’s role in commerce has diminished. The Treasury’s move is part of a broader effort to modernize U.S. currency and reduce government waste.

The Transition for Businesses and Consumers

Banks and retailers are already preparing for the phase-out. As penny supplies dwindle, cash transactions will be rounded to the nearest nickel. This change will affect how Americans pay for goods and services, especially those who rely on cash. Electronic payments will continue to process to the cent, but cash users will see rounding in action. The transition is expected to be gradual, with minimal disruption for most consumers. However, some groups, such as the elderly and low-income individuals, may feel the impact more acutely.

Retailers and small businesses must update their point-of-sale systems and customer service procedures. Industry groups like the National Retail Federation and the National Association of Convenience Stores have expressed concerns about the logistics of the transition and the need for clear communication with customers. The Treasury and Mint are working closely with these stakeholders to ensure a smooth rollout.

The Symbolism and Legacy of the Penny

The penny’s phase-out is more than just a cost-cutting measure; it is a symbolic end to a longstanding American tradition. For many, the penny represents nostalgia and a connection to the past. Coin collectors and numismatists may see increased interest in pennies as they become rarer. The move also reflects broader trends in global currency, with countries like Canada and Australia having successfully eliminated their lowest-denomination coins due to similar cost concerns.

The decision has bipartisan support, with both Democrats and Republicans acknowledging the need for efficiency and cost savings. However, some opposition remains, rooted in tradition and concerns about the fairness of rounding. The Treasury and Mint are committed to ensuring that the transition is fair and transparent, with existing pennies remaining legal tender and no official recall planned.