PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — November 12, 2025 — The United States Mint marked the end of an era Wednesday as officials struck the final circulating one-cent coin at a special ceremony inside the Philadelphia Mint. The event commemorates the end of the penny’s 232-year production run as a circulating coin in the United States.
United States Treasurer Brandon Beach had the honor of striking the final coin during the ceremony, which celebrated the penny’s historic role in American commerce and culture.
“Today the Mint celebrates 232 years of penny manufacturing,” said Kristie McNally, Acting Mint Director. “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on. As its usage in commerce continues to evolve, its significance in America’s story will endure.”
First authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, the penny has been a fixture in the nation’s economy since the founding era. But rising production costs and changing consumer habits have made the coin increasingly impractical to produce. The cost of minting each penny has climbed from 1.42 cents to 3.69 cents over the past decade.
Though the Mint has halted circulation production, the penny will remain legal tender. Officials estimate that roughly 300 billion pennies are already in circulation — more than enough to meet commercial demand for years to come. Retailers can continue pricing goods in one-cent increments.
The Mint also announced that it will continue to produce numismatic versions of the penny for collectors and historical preservation.
Established in 1792, the U.S. Mint serves as the nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and produces circulating and commemorative coins, medals, and bullion products.
More information and frequently asked questions about the transition are available on the Mint’s official website.
