Overview
- U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach struck the last circulating penny on November 12 in Philadelphia, capping a 232-year run of the coin.
- The Mint reserved five uniquely omega‑marked final pennies for auction, with proceeds supporting Mint operations and any excess going to the Treasury.
- Auction expectations vary widely, with some estimates reaching up to $5 million for the set and others putting the top coin closer to $1 million.
- Production ended because each penny costs about 3.69 cents to mint, following President Trump’s February order directing Treasury to halt new pennies.
- Pennies remain legal tender with an estimated 250–300 billion still in circulation, while retailers begin ad hoc rounding on cash transactions in the absence of federal rules.