UPDATE: A mock funeral for the penny took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. today, December 20, 2025, in a dramatic farewell to the iconic coin as the U.S. officially halts its production after 230 years. This event, hosted by financial platform Ramp, drew crowds of mourners eager to pay their respects.
Attendees gathered around a casket adorned with pennies while actors delivered poignant eulogies—including a performance by an actress portraying Mary Todd Lincoln. The ceremony featured a striking portrait of Abraham Lincoln crafted entirely from pennies, celebrating the legacy of the coin that has circulated since the Coinage Act of 1792.
The funeral followed last month’s ceremonial striking of the last penny by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, marking the end of an era. As Ramp economist Ara Kharazian delivered an “autopsy report” detailing the penny’s economic decline, the audience witnessed a unique array of characters—from George Washington to a costumed Pennywise—reflecting the cultural significance of the penny.
Rising production costs, which now exceed 4 cents to mint each penny, combined with the shift towards digital payments, have made the continuation of the penny impractical. Former President Donald Trump announced the cessation of penny production earlier this year, calling the practice “wasteful” on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In a fitting tribute, attendees, including people dressed as Santa Claus and even historical figures, tossed pennies into the casket, symbolizing the coin’s journey through American culture. The event served not only as a farewell but as a reflection of changing economic realities and consumer behavior.
The emotional atmosphere was palpable as the mock funeral unfolded, with many participants donning black mourning attire to signify the loss of the penny. “For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents,” Trump stated, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility.
As the nation bids farewell to the penny, discussions are already underway about the future of U.S. currency, particularly in light of increasing reliance on digital transactions. The departure of the penny highlights broader shifts in the economy, signaling a move towards modernization in financial practices.
The event not only commemorates a beloved coin but also serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of currency in America. What comes next for U.S. currency remains to be seen, but for today, the penny has been laid to rest amid a crowd of its most ardent supporters.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
