U.S. Mint Ends 232-Year Penny Production as Cash Usage Declines
The U.S. Mint has ceased production of the penny after 232 years, marking a symbolic shift away from physical currency. The final circulating penny was struck Wednesday in Philadelphia, with rising production costs and declining cash usage cited as key factors. Each penny now costs 3.69 cents to produce—a 269% loss per unit—while digital payment adoption continues to accelerate.
Retail transactions may increasingly employ rounding to the nearest nickel, creating potential friction for cash-reliant consumers. The MOVE reflects broader monetary evolution as inflation erodes the value of small-denomination coins and digital alternatives gain dominance. No cryptocurrencies were directly mentioned in this fiat currency transition story.