After more than 230 years in circulation, the United States Mint ceased production of the penny in November 2025. Once a staple of everyday commerce, the beloved copper cent had become increasingly irrelevant in an increasingly cashless society. Compounding the issue, it cost nearly three cents to manufacture each one-cent coin.  

Before its demise, the penny played a rich role in American history. First minted in Philadelphia in 1793 under President George Washington, the penny quickly became one of the nation’s most familiar forms of currency. Beyond its monetary value, it also served as a teaching tool. In math class, for example, children used the penny to learn how to count and sort by ones

Penny-based aphorisms soon became a familiar part of the American vernacular. Phrases such as  “a penny saved is a penny earned,” “a penny for your thoughts” and “that will cost a pretty penny” remain widely used today.

Until the 1980s, a single penny still carried buying power, enough to purchase a piece of penny candy. Individually wrapped sweets like Tootsie Rolls, Mary Janes or saltwater taffy were childhood staples for many Americans.

“When I was a kid, we used to go to the corner store and fill bags with 50 pieces of candy for 50 cents.” Rampage advisor Janice Finnell said. “I’m sorry that today’s kids can no longer do that because it was so much fun.”

While the disappearance of the penny may feel like a loss to many adults, do teenage students at RHS even care? Rampage polled students and found that while 83% have used the penny in their lifetime, only 30% said they will miss it. 

“I haven’t used a penny recently, but the first amount of money I ever made was a penny my mom gave me,” freshman Justin Weng said. “Now that they’re being discontinued, I feel it isn’t a good idea; it’s removing the memories and experiences of people getting their first penny and money.”   

Unlike Weng, other students were largely indifferent to the penny being discontinued. “I haven’t used a penny recently, and I honestly don’t care if the penny isn’t being made anymore,” freshman Adrianna Suarez said. “I have a debit card.” 

Junior Sofia Matehu echoed that sentiment. “I have not used the penny recently because I spend more money using my credit card or debit card rather than physical dollars or coins,” she said.

However one feels about the demise of the penny, it will forever be a part of American history and remembered as an integral part of society for more than two centuries.