Did the US stop making copper pennies?
VERDICT
CONFIDENCE
100%
Direct Answer
The U.S. government halted penny production for general circulation on November 12, 2025, due to costs exceeding 3.69 cents per penny and low demand. Existing pennies remain legal tender and will recirculate. Production continues only for collectors and commemoratives.
What the Evidence Shows
Multiple authoritative sources, including the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Mint reports, confirm penny production ceased in late 2025 under Treasury Secretary authority during the Trump administration. The decision saves $56 million annually amid rising metal costs and cashless trends. Pennies are no longer manufactured for circulation but retain value indefinitely.
Why did the US stop producing pennies?
Penny production costs rose to 3.69 cents each, more than double a decade ago, leading to $85.3 million losses in 2024. With declining cash use and low penny value, the Treasury deemed it fiscally irresponsible. This halts new minting while recirculating existing 114 billion pennies.
Are pennies still legal tender?
Yes, pennies retain full monetary value indefinitely as legal tender. Businesses can accept them, and the Federal Reserve recirculates existing supply. Rounding to nearest nickel is encouraged for cash transactions as supply dwindles.
When did US pennies stop being mostly copper?
The U.S. Mint shifted from mostly copper to zinc with copper plating in 1982 due to rising copper prices. Pre-1982 pennies are 95% copper; post-1982 are copper-plated zinc.
Sources & Methodology
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