UPDATE: A mock funeral for the penny took place today at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., marking the end of production for the iconic one-cent coin after 230 years. This symbolic event was organized by financial management platform Ramp and attracted a crowd eager to pay their respects to the beloved yet financially impractical currency.
The event featured an actor portraying Mary Todd Lincoln, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy as attendees gathered around a casket. Actors dressed as former President Abraham Lincoln and other historical figures, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, participated in this unique tribute. A striking portrait of Lincoln made entirely of pennies was also showcased, drawing attention to the emotional significance of the event.
Just announced: The U.S. Treasury officially ended penny production last month, with Secretary Scott Bessent ceremonially striking the last penny. The decision comes in response to rising production costs, as each penny now costs nearly 4 cents to produce, coupled with the shift toward digital payments.
The crowd was not only filled with historical figures but also included characters such as Santa Claus and Pennywise from “It,” adding a whimsical touch to the somber occasion. Economist Ara Kharazian delivered an “autopsy report,” explaining the penny’s decline and underscoring its impracticality in modern commerce.
This mock funeral highlights a significant change in U.S. monetary policy. President Donald Trump emphasized this issue earlier this year, stating on Truth Social, “For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!” His directive to stop penny production has now come to fruition, prompting a nationwide re-evaluation of currency usage.
The event’s emotional resonance is palpable, as attendees tossed pennies into the casket, symbolizing the end of an era. For over two centuries, the penny has been a staple in American households, but changing consumer habits and economic realities have rendered its production obsolete.
As discussions around the future of U.S. currency continue, today’s mock funeral serves as a poignant reminder of how far financial practices have evolved. Observers are left wondering what the next steps will be in the ongoing transformation of American currency.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and consider sharing your thoughts on the future of currency in the comments below.
