The U.S. finally stopped minting pennies.  Each 1-cent coin cost more than 3-cents to make. In 2024 half of all newly minted coins were … pennies! Hardly anyone uses them. They languish in checkout trays or pile up in jars at home.

It doesn’t take much to see that minting pennies is a losing business model.

The last five pennies minted will have a ceremonial tiny omega symbol.  There is speculation that they could be worth $5M each.  Which makes me wonder – are we headed for a Willy Wonka moment, with everyone buying up pennies in hopes of finding the “golden ticket”?

And then what? What happens to the rest?

Nothing. We already have enough pennies to last forever.

Roughly 300 billion pennies exist today. For comparison, the Milky Way has an estimated 100–400 billion stars.

So, the real question is: what will you do with your Big Gulp cups full of pennies?

I did something really fun with mine.  I used them to line the walkway to my front door and my neighbors love it!   

Whatever you do with your pennies, I hope you find a spark of inspiration and do something that brings you joy. And if you’re not sure, I’ll happily buy them from you – because I’m thinking about making a penny reef in my backyard.

Here’s to finding joy in small things!
Barbara

Nov. 23, 2025

Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/11/pennies-circulation-mint/684935/

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