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U.S. Mint Strikes Final Circulating Penny in Philadelphia After 232 Years

The move is expected to save about $56 million a year, prompting retailers and banks to seek federal rounding guidance.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 12: Treasurer of the United States Brandon Beach holds the last penny stamped at the US Mint on November 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Beach pressed the final pennies at an event held at the facility. The pennies pressed bear a special 'Omega' and will not be put in circulation, but will be auctioned off. (Photo by Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images)
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The dies used to press the last pennies along with the planchets, or blank disks that will become coins, at the US Mint

Overview

  • U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach ceremonially struck the last circulating one‑cent coin on Nov. 12 in Philadelphia, concluding the penny’s production run.
  • Pennies remain legal tender, with an estimated 250–300 billion still in circulation, even as Federal Reserve cutbacks and bank rationing contribute to local shortages.
  • Treasury ended production because each penny now costs about 3.69 cents to make, a mismatch officials say will yield roughly $56 million in annual savings.
  • Retailers report operational disruptions and are using interim steps such as exact‑change requests, incentives for pennies, and rounding cash totals in customers’ favor.
  • The Mint will continue limited numismatic issues for collectors, and officials said select final pennies from Philadelphia will be auctioned rather than released into circulation.