Overview
- U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach ceremonially struck the last circulating penny in Philadelphia, with a small run of Omega‑marked coins set to be auctioned.
- Pennies remain legal tender, and the Mint will issue limited numismatic versions as an estimated 250–300 billion coins continue to circulate.
- Production ended after President Donald Trump’s February order, with each penny costing roughly 3.69–3.9 cents to make and projected savings of about $56 million a year.
- Retailers report localized shortages and inconsistent cash practices as some banks ration pennies and states like Utah publish advisory rounding methods.
- Trade groups are pressing for federal guidance as studies, including from the Richmond Fed, suggest cash rounding could impose modest consumer costs of roughly $6 million annually.