U.S. Treasury to Retire the Penny in 2026: End of an Era for the One-Cent Coin
The U.S. Treasury Department has officially announced plans to cease production of the penny starting in early 2026, marking the end of over two centuries of minting the one-cent coin. This decision follows a directive from President Donald Trump in February 2025, aimed at reducing government spending by eliminating the costly production of pennies. Why Is the Penny Being Phased Out? Producing a single penny costs approximately 3.69 cents, nearly four times its face value. In 2024 alone, the U.S. Mint spent over $85 million to produce 3 billion pennies, resulting in a significant financial loss. By halting penny production, the Treasury anticipates saving about $56 million annually. The penny's diminished purchasing power and limited use in daily transactions have also contributed to the decision. With the rise of digital payments and a general decline in cash usage, many pennies end up unused or discarded, leading to a continuous demand for new coins. ...