Penny May 2026

: It currently costs significantly more than one cent to manufacture a single penny.

There is a long-standing discussion about whether the penny should remain in circulation. Proponents and critics offer the following arguments: Arguments to Retire the Penny

: Sorting and handling pennies wastes time for businesses and consumers at the point of sale. : It currently costs significantly more than one

: In 1909, the U.S. Mint redesigned the coin to honor President Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday, marking the first time a real person appeared on a regular-issue U.S. coin.

Beyond currency, the term "penny" has influenced journalism and communication: : In 1909, the U

: The back of the coin has changed multiple times, featuring "Wheat" stalks (1909–1958), the Lincoln Memorial (1959–2008), and the current "Union Shield" (introduced in 2010).

: Originally made of pure copper, the penny's metal content was altered to zinc with a copper plating in 1982 to reduce production costs. The Current Debate: Keep or Retire? Beyond currency, the term "penny" has influenced journalism

: The first pennies, minted until 1857, were much larger than modern versions—exceeding the size of a modern quarter.