On November 12, 2025, the US Mint produced its last penny after being discontinued for being too expensive. The one-cent coin costs 3.7 cents to make - totaling $56 million in taxpayer money to produce each year.
Pennies are still legal tender and can be used anywhere cash is accepted. However, they will be less common in circulation and will become even more scarce over time leading to an eventual complete phase-out.
With billions of pennies still in circulation, they won’t disappear overnight. Still, consumers and businesses alike should prepare by following these tips.
Tips For Consumers:
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Cash them in by bringing your coins to a Marine Bank location.
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Use them when making purchases to increase the number of pennies in circulation.
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Be aware that when paying with cash, totals may be rounded to the nearest five cents at retailers, restaurants and other locations that accept cash.
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Consider digital payments since debit card and mobile payments remain exact and unaffected by rounding. This is a great time to explore digital options offered by Marine Bank.
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Donate your pennies to a charity, school, or community organization that accepts spare change to support its cause.
Tips for Businesses:
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Consider rounding cash transactions such as rounding to the nearest nickel.
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Review current supply and modify procedures for handling coin inventory and shortage.
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Provide training to staff to help explain procedural changes to customers.
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Promote and even incentivize electronic payment options which are exact and not rounded.
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Post a notice at your front door and / or register area.
Have questions? Stop by or call your favorite Marine Bank location and we’ll be glad to assist you.