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KQED's Forum

Is It Time to Say Goodbye to the Penny?

Mar 11, 2025
57:44

Pennies are as lucky as ever, but the U.S. Mint reported losing more than $85 million last year producing the coin. Now President Trump has added his voice to bipartisan calls to stop minting the penny, but it would be up to Congress to make change. Would you miss the one-cent piece? We look at the historical, cultural and economic significance of the penny. Tell us your thoughts.


Guests:


Seth Chandler, head numismatist, Witter Coin


Jay Zagorsky, professor of economics, Boston University Questrom School of Business


Jacob Goldstein, podcast host and executive producer, Pushkin Industries; former co-host, Planet Money podcast; and author of "Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing"


Frank Lee Holt, professor emeritus of history, University of Houston; author of “When Money Talks”

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