Although pennies frequently accumulate at the bottom of purses, wallets, and car holders for many individuals, President Donald Trump’s choice to discontinue these coins was unexpected by numerous people. With the U.S. Treasury now winding down penny manufacturing (and producing their final batch around early 2026), you might be curious about how to handle the pennies you still own. Discover more regarding what ceasing the creation of new pennies implies for purchases moving forward, along with smart ways to utilize those extra coins effectively.
What is the significance of eliminating the penny?
News regarding the discontinuation of the penny has left numerous Americans uncertain about what comes next. A frequent worry among them is figuring out how they’ll get precise change when paying for items in cash.
“This issue primarily affects individuals who opt out of using credit or debit cards for their transactions,” according to Gates Little, the CEO of
Altline and The Southern Bank Company
.
However, it’s not the sole factor that might shift for consumers. The prices could go up due to the President’s choice—this applies irrespective of your chosen method of payment.
He notes that businesses will need to round numbers up or down to sidestep this issue, and numerous concerns arise about how this might cause prices to increase.
Do I have to discontinue using pennies?
If no additional pennies are produced, you might question whether you’ll still be able to utilize them for transactions. However, the positive aspect is that “as long as the penny remains in existence, individuals can continue using them since they will still hold legal tender status,” clarifies Little. “There isn’t really any drawback to this situation.”
The potential issue you might face is that some establishments may refuse to accept cash payments. This could complicate matters if you prefer using cash as your method of payment.
“Over time, pennies will gradually disappear as the government eliminates them, so it’s crucial to remember this going forward and avoid relying on pennies for transactions,” explains Little.
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How should one handle pennies nowadays?
Even though pennies aren’t likely to disappear from circulation anytime soon, holding onto significant quantities isn’t wise since their value could diminish over time. If you’re not planning to use them shortly, Little recommends exchanging them promptly.
If you gather or preserve coins and happen to have accumulated many pennies, it’s best to get rid of them swiftly and entirely,” he states. “The bank or credit union will accept your deposits without charging a fee. Alternatively, you could use a Coinstar machine; however, be aware that such machines apply slight charges unless you choose to receive a gift card instead.
You can locate these kiosks at pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, or within grocery stores.
Here are various other activities you could engage in using your pennies:
Donate them
Few indicate suggesting to charities that they might be able to utilize your loose change, since some do accept donations of pennies. For instance, Ronald McDonald House Charities accepts such contributions.
Pennies for a Cause initiative
.
If you opt to utilize a Coinstar machine, you can select the choice of receiving your change in the form of an electronic gift card.
extra pennies donated
to charity rather than take the exchanged money for yourself.
Sell for profit
The “wheat pennies,” minted between 1909 and 1958, can occasionally hold significant worth. Depending on their state of preservation, individuals might fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars for these coins.
when they were minted
.
Nevertheless, the majority of wheat pennies are not valued at much more than a few cents, with those that hold significant value being extremely uncommon.
“These coins are improbably in people’s change,” John Feigenbaum, publisher of rare coin price guide
Greysheet
, told
RecordNet.com
.
If you think you might have a penny that could be valuable, it’s advisable to reach out to a professional coin appraisal service.
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Utilize them throughout your home
If you only have a few extra pennies? These coins can still help resolve several common issues. Check out these 10 tricks to try:
Estimate a small measurement
To quickly measure something when you lack a ruler, just use a penny instead. The exact diameter of a penny is
3
⁄
4
An inch, allowing you to create your required estimation by utilizing the coin as a reference point.
Prevent a dog from barking
Should your dog have a tendency to bark excessively at every passerby, consider this method: Clean an empty soda or sparkling water can thoroughly and insert between five to ten pennies before sealing it shut with some adhesive tape. Whenever your pet starts barking again, rattle the can forcefully. This noise should be unpleasant enough for him to cease his behavior instantly. With repetition, he will eventually understand not to bark so much anymore.
Ensure drapes hang straight
Your new curtains match beautifully with your living room decor, yet appear somewhat uneven. Rather than purchasing ready-made curtain weights from a store, you can simply insert some pennies into the lower seam. These coins sit nicely within typical seams, providing just enough weight to help the fabric drape neatly and remain straight. It’s really quite simple!
Tighten a screw fast
If you need to secure a loose screw but cannot locate your screwdriver, use a penny instead. Place the coin inside the slot at the head of the screw, apply pressure downward, and turn it clockwise. This method works well with medium and large flathead screws as the penny fits snugly into their slots, allowing you to tighten them quickly.
Create a makeshift doorstop
You love to keep your bedroom windows open on warm days and nights, but the wind often blows the room’s door shut. Create a homemade doorstop by tossing a few handfuls of pennies into a small jar, then place it in front of the door when needed. The combined weight of all the pennies will prevent the door from slamming closed.
Make a coffee pot gleam
Should the interior of your coffeepot be coated with buildup, chances are high that calcium deposits are responsible. To resolve this issue, add several copper coins along with two tablespoons of white vinegar to the pot. Allow them to remain for a short period before swirling the pot vigorously multiple times. Dispose of the mixture containing the coins and vinegar afterward, followed by rinsing the pot thoroughly using hot water. The acid in the vinegar helps dissolve the buildup whereas the sharp edges of the coins help scrub it off.
Punch up a carpet or rug when you’re in a rush.
To plump up sunken areas in your carpet, put a penny at the rim of the depressed spot and rub along the surface. This action with the penny’s edge helps elevate the carpet fibers, aiding them to return to their original shape.
Fly-proof an outdoor meal
Nothing beats enjoying
dinner outside,
However, bothersome flies can diminish the enjoyment of your outdoor space. To deter them effectively, simply fill a sealable transparent plastic bag with water and insert a handful of pennies into it. Securely attach a cord to the bag and fasten it to a nearby sunny tree or another solid object within your garden area. The light bouncing off the coins disorients the flies, prompting these unwanted guests to seek refuge away from you.
Stabilize a wobbly chair
As you unwind on the deck during an afternoon, you realize your chair isn’t very steady. A simple solution: Place pennies beneath the uneven leg until it sits level, then detach them and stick the pennies together with adhesive. After allowing time for drying, secure this cluster underneath the problematic leg using robust glue. Optionally, cover the glued penny pile with felt at the base if you’re concerned about marks being left on your deck. Issue resolved!
Quickly uncaps a medication container
The effortless way to remove an stubborn prescription bottle cap involves wedging a penny under the plastic lid as much as possible, then pushing upward with your hand. This gives you extra grip, allowing you to effortlessly unscrew the container. It lets you access your medicine quickly without straining your fingers or causing discomfort.
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