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The penny is the U.S. one-cent coin, first minted in 1792 and featuring Abraham Lincoln since 1909. The related searches stem from the economic debate surrounding its cost of production. For the 19th consecutive year, the coin cost more to produce than its face value, costing approximately 3.7 cents to make each penny in 2024.
The U.S. Mint ended production of the one-cent coin on November 12, 2025, a decision ordered by President Donald Trump in February 2025. The move, meant to save taxpayers an estimated $56 million annually, triggered widespread searches about the details of the discontinuation and its impact on cash transactions.
Proponents of discontinuation cite the significant financial losses to taxpayers and the penny's diminishing usefulness in a digital economy. Opponents and economists raise concerns over a 'rounding tax,' arguing that rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents could result in additional costs for consumers, estimated to be around $6 million annually.