Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:04:27 +0000

They Say Goodbye to the Penny—What Lies Behind Its Discontinuation? In a landmark shift marking the end of an era, the U.S. has officially said goodbye to the penny—a small but symbolically significant coin that has circulated in American pockets since 1793. Phased out of widespread circulation starting in 2006 and fully withdrawn by 2023, the penny’s discontinuation reflects far more than a simple monetary policy change. Beneath this decision lie evolving economic realities, shifting consumer behavior, and deeper philosophical debates about money, fairness, and sustainability. ### The Long H Alt: Why the Penny Survived for Over Two Centuries For over two centuries, the one-cent coin held a quiet but constant presence in everyday life. Despite its minimal value, the penny served a functional role: making change, rounding prices, and reinforcing the presence of small denominations in commerce. Proponents argued it democratized spending, enabling the poor and middle class to pay exact amounts without relying solely on coins with higher nominal value.