UPDATE: A mock funeral for the penny took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on December 20, 2025, marking a poignant farewell to the one-cent coin as its production officially ends. The event, hosted by financial platform Ramp, drew a crowd eager to pay their respects to a coin that has circulated for over 230 years.
Attendees gathered around a casket as actors portraying historic figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, delivered emotional eulogies. The funeral featured a stunning portrait made entirely of pennies depicting Lincoln, reinforcing the coin’s historical significance.
As the audience mourned, they were joined by costumed figures representing George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and even John Wilkes Booth, creating a surreal atmosphere. Notably, the crowd also included characters like Pennywise from “It,” reflecting the mix of humor and solemnity surrounding the event.
Economist Ara Kharazian from Ramp presented an “autopsy report” detailing the penny’s economic decline, highlighting that it costs nearly 4 cents to produce each penny. This stark reality, coupled with the rise of digital payments, led to the decision to cease production, a move formally announced by President Donald Trump in February.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump emphasized, “For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents,” calling it “wasteful.” This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. currency, as the penny has been a staple since the Coinage Act of 1792.
The mock funeral followed the ceremonial striking of the final penny by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, officially concluding the production era for this iconic coin. The event resonated with many, as participants tossed pennies into the casket, symbolizing a collective farewell to a piece of American history.
This unique gathering not only celebrated the legacy of the penny but also sparked discussions on the future of currency in an increasingly digital age. As the nation reflects on the penny’s impact, the event serves as a reminder of how far financial practices have evolved over the centuries.
What happens next? Economists and policymakers will be closely monitoring the implications of this change on consumer behavior and the economy. The end of the penny production could signal further shifts in how currency is viewed and utilized in the U.S.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as communities adapt to this significant change in American currency.
