Grand Ledge MI — The penny is finally gone. After 232 years, the U.S. Mint stopped making the 1-cent coin in November 2025, marking the end of one of America’s oldest traditions. This change affects shoppers, stores, banks, and families right here in Grand Ledge.
The main reason for ending the penny was simple: it cost too much to make.
In 2024, the Mint spent almost four cents to produce just one penny, adding up to about $56 million lost each year. That money came from taxpayers, and leaders decided it didn’t make sense anymore.
Digital payments also play a big role.
Today, people use cards and phones far more than coins, and those tools handle small amounts perfectly without needing pennies. 💸
There are already more than 300 billion pennies sitting in jars, drawers, and old piggy banks across the country.
Because so many exist and so few are used, the demand for new ones kept dropping. This made the decision easier for federal officials
A Final Goodbye to the Penny 🏛️
The last pennies meant for circulation were made and shipped in July 2025. The Mint held a special ceremony in Philadelphia in November to officially close the era.
Even though the Mint will not make new pennies, older pennies remain legal to use. You can still spend them, save them, or roll them up for the bank.
How Stores and Shoppers Will Adjust 🛒
Without pennies, cash purchases will now be rounded to the nearest five cents when pennies aren’t available:
1–2 cents → round down
3–4 cents → round up
This rounding affects cash only. Debit cards, credit cards, and digital payments do NOT round, so the total stays exact. 💳
Some stores have already updated their systems. Others say the federal guidance was not clear enough at first, especially because some penny shipments were limited before the final announcement.
But most businesses are adapting smoothly.
The Bigger Picture 💵
Ending the penny is expected to save millions every year.
Other countries, including Canada, have already removed their smallest coins with very few issues.
Some people worry about a “rounding tax,” but studies show most shoppers will not notice the difference. In some cases, customers even save money.
There is now discussion about the nickel, which also costs more to make than its value. For now, it stays — but many experts believe it may face review next.
A New Chapter for American Money 🔍
The end of the penny shows how quickly money is changing.
With more people using phones, cards, and apps, physical coins play a smaller role.
Pennies will slowly disappear as families use the ones they already have, but they will remain spendable for years.
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