The pen is officially out. The US Mint stopped producing new 1-cent coins in November 2025, ending a long-running debate fueled largely by false alarm (a fancy phrase for the fact that it costs more to make a cent than a 1-cent coin).
While pennies remain legal tender, millions sit unused in pots, drawers and cup holders across the country. If you have a stash, now is a good time to decide what to do with it.
Invest your pennies
If counting and rolling pennies sounds like more trouble than it’s worth, you’re not alone. Many people avoid using them for that reason.
But those coins still add up. Taking your pennies to a bank or coin machine is one of the fastest ways to turn spare change into usable money. Even a small jar can add up to more than you expect, making this an easy way to recoup money that otherwise wouldn’t be spent.
Use them while they are still accepted
Although production has stopped, the pens are still legal tender and can be used in everyday activities. If you want to get rid of them without much effort, start using them gradually.
Because many consumers and businesses are already avoiding pens, you may find fewer opportunities to use them, but it’s still an effective way to reduce your concealment in the long run.
Save your pennies for the future
Since no new pennies are being made, some people choose to hold on to their coins in case they are collected later. While most pennies will not increase in value, certain coins – such as those with errors or unique mint marks – can attract collectors.
If you’re interested, exploring coin collecting can make a lot of spare change a fun and potentially rewarding hobby.
Focus on saving or investing
Pennies can also help you develop better financial habits. Saving loose change in a jar may seem old-fashioned, but it’s an easy, low-cost way to increase your savings over time.
You can also take a modern approach by using applications that collect purchases and invest automatically, turning even the smallest amounts into long-term growth.
Donate your pennies
If you’d rather not spend pennies at all, donating them is a great alternative. Many charities welcome spare change, and even modest donations can make a difference when combined with others.
A single pot of pennies may not seem like much, but it can still support worthwhile causes.
Get creative by using real things
Pennies can be surprisingly useful without spending. Inside the house, they can stabilize a wobbly table, act as a makeshift screwdriver or help you check your tire. They are also popular for DIY projects, from coasters and countertops to wall art and home decor.
You can even spend pennies on small home improvement projects, like splitting tiles or adding weight to curtains. This artistic use will not replace the monetary value of the coin, but it can save money and reduce waste.
Hold on to your pennies for nostalgia
For many people, pennies are not just money; they are part of American history. Since the production is stopped now, it may not be common in daily life.
Keeping a small collection as a keepsake can preserve that history and provide a tangible reminder of a coin that has been passed down through the generations.
Pennies may no longer be produced, but they are far from useless. Whether you invest, spend, save or recycle, the key is to make a conscious decision instead of letting it pile up.
With billions of dollars in loose change sitting idle, taking action with your pennies is a small move that can pay off.
