The humble penny—America’s most iconic coin—may finally be facing extinction. After years of debate, 2025 could mark the last time the Lincoln cent jingles in your pocket, sparking a frenzy among collectors and everyday savers alike.
The End of an Era: Why the Penny Is Disappearing
In February 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines by recommending that the U.S. Treasury stop ordering pennies for circulation from the U.S. Mint. The reason?
It now costs nearly four cents to make a single penny—a staggering loss for every coin produced. The U.S. Treasury confirmed that its final order for penny blanks was placed this spring, and production is set to wind down as soon as supplies run out.
For decades, the penny’s fate has been debated in Congress and among economists. But with inflation and rising metal prices, the cost of producing the coin has more than doubled in the past ten years, making its continued existence hard to justify. As of March 2025, the Mint had already struck over half a billion 2025-dated pennies, but uncertainty remains about whether any more will be made for circulation.
Collector Frenzy: Pennies Suddenly in High Demand
As news of the penny’s demise spread,
Americans began hoarding 2025 pennies, hoping they might become valuable collector’s items. Coin dealers are now paying three to ten times face value for rolls of the newest pennies, and prices are fluctuating wildly as demand surges.
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2025 no-mintmark penny: Face value if worn; 50 cents to
$2 in uncirculated condition
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2025-D penny: Face value if worn; 50 cents to $2 in uncirculated condition
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2025-S proof penny:
$25 to
$50 for pristine examples
But experts warn that unless the Mint truly halts all penny production—including special collector sets—these coins may not become as rare as some hope. “It could go both ways. They could reinstate the penny and then some people get stuck holding the bag. Or they do stop and we discover the number of minted coins is even less than expected, which drives the price up more,” said coin expert John Veley.
Billions in Circulation—But For How Long?
Despite the hype, there are still an estimated
200 billion pennies in circulation across the U.S.—about
$2 billion in face value. However, a significant portion of these coins are stashed away in jars and drawers, rarely used in daily transactions. The penny’s purchasing power has eroded so much that even lifelong collectors are questioning its utility.
What Happens Next? The Future Without Pennies
If the penny truly disappears, Americans may see prices rounded to the nearest nickel, as has happened in countries like Canada and Australia. Some fear this could lead to “rounding inflation,” but studies from other nations suggest the impact is minimal.
Meanwhile, collectors are scouring their change for rare varieties and error coins, which can fetch thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—at auction. The 2025 penny, especially in pristine condition or with unique mint errors, could become a sought-after piece of numismatic history.
Takeaways: Should You Hold Onto Your Pennies?
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Don’t rush to cash in your pennies just yet—their value may rise if production truly ends.
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Check for rare dates and mint errors—these are the coins most likely to skyrocket in value.
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Stay tuned for official Mint announcements—the situation remains fluid, and collector hype is at an all-time high.
The penny’s fate is a reminder that even the smallest change can make big waves in American culture and commerce. Whether you’re a collector or just nostalgic, now’s the time to check your change jar—because the next penny you find could be a piece of history.
Sources
1. 2025 Penny Value (Might Be The Last Year ... - U.S. Coins Guide
2. Top 100 Pennies Worth Money List - Bullion Shark
3. 2025 pennies worth great money! The end of the penny era!
4. U.S. Mint Produces Nearly 1.14 Billion Coins for Circulation in July
5. Instantly More Collectible: No One Wants Pennies, Until They're Gone
6. Best Penny Cryptocurrencies To Buy With 1000x Potential in 2025
7. Pennies Disappearing? This 2025 Decision Could Make You Rich!"
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9. The U.S. Penny Is Ending Forever in 2025 – What Happens Next?
10. 2017 Lincoln Cent: Exploring the Unique VDB Varieties - Lemon8-app
11. GOODBYE PENNY - Coin Dealer on the END OF CASH! Is This Just the Start?!?
12. 2025 Penny Ban? What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late!"
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