Bye-Bye, Pennies!

Last year, U.S. officials decided to stop making one-cent coins. Dig into the data behind why!

By Jennifer Barone

From the March/April 2026 Issue

Key Focus Area: Measurement and Data,

Standards

The Story
Resources

Keep or Ditch?

A 2022 survey asked 1,271 Americans whether they thought the U.S. government should keep producing pennies. Here’s how they responded.

Do you agree with the decision to stop producing pennies? Explain your thinking.

The Cost of Coins

This graph shows the cost of producing and distributing common coins in the U.S. over time.

In 2024, which of these coins cost more to produce than their value?

Pennies Through the Years

The penny has a long history! Check out some highlights from its past.

PD via Wikimedia

1787

The first U.S. penny, the Fugio cent, is introduced. This 100 percent copper coin was larger than a modern quarter. It reads, “Mind your business.”

PD via Wikimedia (1909 Penny); Alexander Gardner/Library of Congress (Lincoln)

1909

Abraham Lincoln first appears on the penny, in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth.

1943

During World War II, pennies are made of steel coated in zinc to save copper for military uses. A small number are accidentally produced with copper. In 2021, one of these rare coins sold for $840,000!

United States Mint (1959 Penny); Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)

1959

The Lincoln Memorial replaces wheat bundles on the back of the penny. In 2010, the back changes to a shield representing the original 13 Colonies.