The penny is officially on its way out. The U.S. Mint stopped producing new 1-cent coins in November 2025, ending a long-running debate driven largely by negative seigniorage (a fancy phrase for the fact that it cost more to make a penny than the 1 cent that the coin is worth).
While existing pennies remain legal tender, millions are sitting unused in jars, drawers and cup holders across the country. If you’ve got a stash, now is a good time to decide what to do with it.
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Cash in your pennies
If counting and rolling pennies feels like more trouble than it’s worth, you’re not alone. Many people avoid using them for that exact reason.
But those coins still add up. Taking your pennies to a bank or a coin-counting machine is one of the fastest ways to convert spare change into usable cash. Even a small jar can total more than you expect, making this a simple way to reclaim money that would otherwise go unused.
Spend them while they’re still accepted
Even though production has stopped, pennies are still legal tender and can be used in everyday transactions. If you want to get rid of them without extra effort, start spending them gradually.
Because many consumers and businesses already avoid pennies, you may find fewer opportunities to use them, but it’s still a practical way to reduce your stash over time.
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Save your pennies for the future
With no new pennies being minted, some people are choosing to hold onto their coins in case they become more collectible over time. While most pennies won’t dramatically increase in value, certain coins — such as those with errors or unique mint marks — may appeal to collectors.
If you’re interested, exploring coin collecting can turn a pile of spare change into a fun and potentially rewarding hobby.
Put them toward savings or investing
Pennies can also help you build better financial habits. Saving loose change in a jar may seem old-fashioned, but it’s an easy, low-effort way to grow your savings over time.
You can also take a modern approach by using apps that round up purchases and invest the spare change automatically, turning even the smallest amounts into long-term growth.
Donate your pennies
If you’d rather not deal with pennies at all, donating them is a great alternative. Many charities accept spare change, and even modest contributions can make a difference when combined with others.
A single jar of pennies might not seem like much, but it can still support meaningful causes.
Get creative with practical uses
Pennies can be surprisingly useful beyond spending. Around the house, they can stabilize a wobbly table, act as a makeshift screwdriver or help you check your tire tread. They’re also popular in DIY projects, from coasters and countertops to wall art and home décor.
You can even use pennies in small home improvement tasks, like tile spacing or adding weight to curtains. These creative uses won’t replace the coin’s monetary value, but they can save money and reduce waste.
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Hold onto your pennies for nostalgia
For many people, pennies are more than just currency; they’re part of American history. With production now halted, they may become less common in everyday life.
Keeping a small collection as a keepsake can preserve that history and offer a tangible reminder of a coin that’s been in circulation for generations.
Pennies may no longer be produced, but they’re far from useless. Whether you cash them in, spend them, save them or repurpose them, the key is to make a conscious decision instead of letting them pile up.
With billions of dollars in loose change sitting idle, taking action with your pennies is a small move that can still pay off.
