Overview
- Treasurer Brandon Beach struck the last one-cent coin in Philadelphia on Nov. 12, formally closing out circulating-cent production.
- President Donald Trump ordered the halt in February after per-coin costs rose to about 3.69 cents, with projected annual savings of roughly $56 million.
- Pennies remain legal tender, with an estimated 250–300 billion already in circulation as distribution slows through Federal Reserve coin terminals.
- Retailers and banks report shortages and legal uncertainty over cash rounding, urging federal guidance to navigate inconsistent state rules.
- The Mint will continue limited collector issues and will auction final pieces bearing a special omega mark rather than release them into circulation.