Check under the couch cushions one last time—because the U.S. government just announced it’s officially dumping the penny by 2026. That’s right. America’s least useful coin is getting ghosted.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Treasury Department is done playing games and will stop putting new pennies into circulation by early 2026. It’s the breakup we all saw coming but no one had the guts to initiate. Until now.
The Great Round-Up (or Down)
So what does this mean for your everyday shopping trips? Well, cash transactions will start rounding up or down to the nearest nickel. That means if your bill is $7.02, it could either become $7.00 or $7.05 depending on the store’s mood and the direction of the wind. It’s basically coin roulette!
Bipartisan Agreement: Everyone Hates the Penny
The penny has managed to do the impossible—get both Democrats and Republicans to agree on something: it’s a waste of space, metal, and time. Presidents Obama and Trump both side-eyed the penny hard. Trump even went full keyboard warrior on Truth Social, saying:
“Let’s rip the waste out of our great nation’s budget, even if it’s a penny at a time.”
Honestly? Iconic. Petty about pennies. We love to see it.
Wait, So It Costs How Much to Make a Penny?
Here’s the jaw-drop moment: the U.S. Mint says it costs almost 4 cents to make one penny. That’s like paying $12 for a $3 iced coffee just because you like the cup. It’s giving “bad financial decisions.”
Cutting the penny could save us $56 million a year. That’s enough to buy everyone in the country like… a snack. Maybe. Still, a win is a win.
The Mint’s Final Countdown
The U.S. Mint will keep making pennies until it runs out of the metal discs they stamp them on. The final batch of these “penny blanks” has already been ordered—so if you’re emotionally attached to these mini copper tokens, now’s the time to start hoarding.
But Wait—Can I Still Use My Stash?
Yes! If you’ve got a piggy bank full of pennies, don’t panic. They’ll still be legal tender. You just might look a little unhinged trying to pay for a latte with 476 of them.
Meanwhile, businesses will need to update their pricing game and learn how to round. And if you’re paying with card or Apple Pay? You’ll still be charged the exact amount—no weird math involved.
Tax Drama Incoming?
Because we can’t have anything nice, the Treasury is also asking state and local governments to help stores figure out how to still collect the correct sales tax when things are rounded. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be chaotic at first. Expect some deeply confused cashiers and mildly irritated customers.
The penny is out, vibes are up, and America is saving a few million bucks. So if you see a penny on the ground… pick it up. It might be the last one you ever see. Or just walk past it like everyone else already does.
