Penny Funeral: Lincoln Memorial Photos | US Coin News

Penny’s Passing: Mock Funeral Held for Discontinued US Coin

A somber ceremony marked the end of an era on Saturday as a mock funeral was held for the penny in Washington, D.C., following its official discontinuation earlier in 2025. The event, staged in front of the Lincoln Memorial, served as a symbolic farewell to the lowest denomination of US currency. A curated photo gallery documenting the event is available from the associated Press.

the End of an American Icon

The decision to discontinue the penny, a fixture of american commerce for over 160 years, was not taken lightly. While the exact economic factors leading to the coin’s demise remain undisclosed, the rising cost of metal and production, coupled with its limited purchasing power, were widely cited as contributing factors. the US Mint ceased penny production earlier this year, leaving many Americans to reflect on the coin’s legacy.

Did you know? – The penny was originally significantly larger in size, nearly the diameter of a modern quarter. Its composition also changed over time, reflecting metal availability and cost.

why did the penny end? the penny’s end came about due to a confluence of economic pressures.The cost to produce a penny consistently exceeded its face value, creating a financial burden for the US Mint. Furthermore, its limited purchasing power meant it played a diminishing role in everyday transactions. The US Mint officially halted production in early 2025, effectively phasing out the coin.

A Symbolic Farewell at the Lincoln Memorial

The mock funeral,attended by a small but dedicated group of citizens and observers,featured a miniature casket,eulogies,and a moment of silence.”It’s a sad day for tradition,” one attendee remarked, reflecting the sentiment of many present. The choice of the Lincoln Memorial as the location was intentional,organizers explained,as a tribute to a president who himself is depicted on the coin.

Pro tip – When retailers round cash transactions, the practice is generally to round to the nearest five cents. This means prices ending in 1, 2, 3, or 4 cents will round down, while those ending in 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 cents will round up.

Who was involved? the decision to discontinue the penny was made by the US Mint, following years of debate and analysis. The mock funeral was organized by a group of concerned citizens and penny enthusiasts who wanted to acknowledge the coin’s historical and cultural meaning. the event drew a small crowd of observers, including media representatives.

The Future of Cash Transactions

The penny’s disappearance raises questions about the future of cash transactions in the United States. While digital payment methods have been steadily gaining popularity, cash remains a significant part of the American economy. The discontinuation of the penny is expected to accelerate the trend toward rounding transactions to the nearest nickel.

Some analysts predict that the removal of the penny will lead to minor price adjustments, with retailers likely rounding up or down to the nearest five cents. “. This could have a negligible impact on consumers but it represents a significant shift in the way Americans interact with money.

Reader question – How do you think the end of the penny will affect charitable giving, particularly collections that rely on small coin donations? Share your thoughts!

A Photo Record of the Event

The Associated Press captured the poignant moments of the mock funeral in a compelling photo gallery. The images offer a visual record of this historic event and a glimpse into the public’s reaction to the penny’s passing. The gallery is available for viewing on the AP website.

The end of the penny marks not just the loss of a coin, but a subtle shift in the cultural and economic landscape of the United States, prompting reflection on the evolving role of currency in the 21st century.