the future of cents
I just read something where it said that the U.S. was going to stop making cents in the next couple of years because of the face value of them and how much it costs to make them. I am feeling kind of sad because I like collecting large cents and small cents but I am also kind of happy about it because I just found 304 2020 cents and it would be cool to have 304 uncirculated examples of the last year the united states issued cents.
Comments
World coin collector
Level 4
It should not happen because pennies keep drivers safe, because if you measure correctly with a penny you will just need to go under 35 miles per hour to not hydroplane.
It's Mokie
Level 6
Lots of speculation about that, but as far as I now, the Mint has never made such claim and the only real mention of the cost of the Cent and Nickel (exceeding their face value) is in a GAO report from a few years back.
Coin Keeper
Level 4
It would be sad if the mint stopped making them, it's my favorite denomination to go through!
Long Beard
Level 5
While many sight the collectbility aspect, and despite being the number one collected, the cents days are numbered. Which I completely agree upon. That said, it will not end altogether. Just like the Kennedy half dollar it will only be found in mint and proof sets or rolls/bags direct from the mint.
Longstrider
Level 6
Not going to happen. No matter what Canada says.
Kepi
Level 6
I think the cent is here to stay... Thanks for the blog!
CentSearcher
Level 5
Like IR Bama said, they have been saying that for decades. I believe that about 15 years ago a bill made it to Congress to finally get rid of the cent, but it didn't pass. It would be a strange experience if they did get rid of the cent, the way it was a few years after they got rid of the 3 cent piece or so. But thanks for the update!
CoinHunter
Level 5
Thanks for the blog!
Stumpy
Level 5
I first heard about this subject when I was living in Belgium in the mid 80s. Off Base/Post we used local currency of course and on any US installation we did not use cents, and Dollar Bills were hard to come by. Everything was rounded to the nearest nickel and we were paid with $2.00 bills instead of $1.00 bills. The finance guys said that they were told no one in the States liked the $2.00 so they sent them overseas to be used by Military personnel, a perfect captive user group if one ever existed. It costs more to make the cent than they are worth but due to folks who both hate change and the attitude it's always been around, we'll keep it, stopping the cent will not happen soon or easily. As to the question of how they will be accepted if they ever do cancel the cent, they will probably establish a deadline for usage, (usually one to two years down the road), and both during that time and after, they will slowly remove and melt the cents as they come into a Regional Money Center. At least that is what they have done in the past. I think it makes sense, so that automatically tells you the government will not do it, or will do it only after kicking and screaming their way into not wasting tax payers money. Thanks for the blog, very interesting and controversial subject. Later!
TheNumisMaster
Level 5
Huh! I never heard that. Thanks for sharing! Cya round!
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
I don't think we'll stop having cents in the future, if anything could have killed the cent it would have been the pandemic. I'll guess we'll see.
Golfer
Level 5
That would be amazing ! What happens to the cents in circulation? Do businesses refuse to accept them? At some point they need out of circulation. The cent will become a oddity like the 20 cent coin.
silvar eagle
Level 3
that is interesting
CoinHunter
Level 5
although, if it is, I have a whole box of 2020 pennies!
"SUN"
Level 6
I agree with I. R.Bama. Not happen soon
TheNumisMaster
Level 5
Yeah, I doubt this will be the last year. But I would kinda like it if they stopped making cents. They clog up my change. I dont really collect modern cents, just pre-1982. Cheers, NM
the coin guy
Level 4
yes but still it is pretty amazing that it took me 11 months to find my first 2020 cent
CentSearcher
Level 5
I started finding 2020 P in July, and I found my first 2020 D just a few weeks ago. Haven't found on since.
I. R. Bama
Level 5
They have been saying that for a couple of decades. I don't think there is any serious movement to stop immediately. I doubt 2020 will be the last year