Congress Votes to End Penny Production After 234 Years
Congress has voted to formally end the production of the penny after 234 years, sending the legislation to President Trump for his expected signature. The bill aims to save millions by ceasing the production of the coin, which costs nearly…
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, September 29, 2026 —
Legislators in Congress have cast a decisive vote to halt the production of the one-cent coin, commonly known as the penny, bringing an end to its 234-year history as a circulating U.S. currency. The measure now proceeds to President Trump, whose signature is anticipated to enact the change.
The legislation is primarily driven by economic considerations, with a core objective to generate significant cost savings. Official figures indicate that the expense associated with manufacturing each penny far exceeds its face value. Reports suggest that producing a single penny costs approximately nearly four cents.
By ceasing the production of the coin, lawmakers aim to eliminate this recurring deficit and realize substantial savings over time. The exact total amount of savings has not been detailed in the summary provided, but the stated intention is to save millions.
The historical significance of the penny, having been in production for over two centuries, marks this legislative action as a notable shift in American coinage. The contractor responsible for the minting operations and the specific timeline for the cessation of production were not detailed in the information available.
This move reflects a broader trend in various countries to re-evaluate the economic viability of low-denomination coins, which often incur higher production costs than their monetary worth.
Story summarized from the original created by Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press on www.clickorlando.com, see more information here.
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