Should the U.S. have retired the penny from regular circulation?
End of an Era: U.S. Mint Strikes Final Penny After 232 Years
On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Mint officially struck the final penny destined for circulation, ending a 232-year tradition of producing the one-cent coin. The move comes amid rising production costs — each penny now costs about 3.69 cents to make — and longstanding debates about the coin's usefulness in modern commerce. While pennies will remain legal tender, no new ones will be made for everyday transactions. This shift has sparked conversations about the future of coinage, price rounding in retail, and the broader symbolism of retiring such a storied piece of American currency. Supporters of the move cite cost savings and modern efficiency, while opponents argue that it may impact pricing transparency and traditions. The Mint may still produce collector’s editions, but the era of the circulating penny is effectively over. How do Americans feel about the end of this small but iconic coin?
Options
- Yes, it's long overdue
- No, we still need it
- I'm not sure