Archive · 20 Nov 2025
US Phasing Out Penny: Winners and Losers
The US is stopping making pennies because it costs more to make them than they're worth.
Some people and businesses might be affected, but others might benefit.
The US Mint produced the final penny last week after a White House order
Pennies remain legal tender but will gradually disappear from circulation
The move is driven by the cost of producing pennies exceeding their value
Small merchants and cash-dependent consumers may be negatively impacted
The US government, banks, and large retailers are expected to benefit
- Who
- The US Mint, small merchants, cash-dependent consumers, the US government, banks, and large retailers
- What
- Phasing out the penny
- When
- The final penny was produced last week
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To save the US government money, as producing pennies now costs more than their value
Proponents of Penny Phase-out
Opponents of Penny Phase-out
Efficiency
Proponents of Penny Phase-out
Ending penny production saves the government money and reduces operational costs for banks and retailers
Opponents of Penny Phase-out
Small businesses and cash-dependent consumers may face increased costs and hardship
- Last Penny Produced
- Last week
- Penny's Intrinsic Value
- Less than the cost to produce it
- Expected Annual Savings for US Government
- Tens of millions of dollars