Plain English America has minted its last penny
Dec 4, 2025
The U.S. Mint minted its last penny on November 12, 2025, ending a 232-year tradition. Rising production costs and declining demand made pennies costly to produce. Despite this, they will remain legal tender. The final penny struck was commemorated, with some kept for historical purposes. Banks and retailers will need to adapt to the penny's exit from circulation, leading to rounded transactions, similar to practices in Canada and Australia. The podcast also explores the penny's rich history and cultural significance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
U.S. Struck Its Last Penny
- The U.S. Mint struck its final penny in November 2025 after 232 years of production.
- Rising production costs and declining use made the penny economically unsustainable.
Penny Costs Exceeded Its Value
- By 2025 a single penny cost about four cents to produce, making minting loss-making.
- The Treasury placed its final order for penny blanks in May and stopped future production.
Pennies Stay Legal Tender
- Although no new pennies will be made, existing pennies remain legal tender indefinitely under U.S. practice.
- The ceremonial last strikes were kept for the Mint's historical collection rather than released.