UPDATE: A mock funeral for the penny took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on December 20, 2025, marking the end of production for the iconic one-cent coin. As part of the ceremony, attendees gathered to pay their respects to a coin that has been in circulation for over 230 years, now rendered obsolete due to rising production costs and the shift towards digital payments.
The event was hosted by financial management platform Ramp, which featured actors portraying historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, who delivered heartfelt eulogies. A striking portrait composed entirely of pennies depicting Lincoln was also showcased, underlining the coin’s historical significance, as reported by FOX 10.
Mourners dressed as prominent historical figures, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, alongside characters like Pennywise from “It,” added a whimsical touch to the somber occasion. The crowd’s participation included tossing pennies into the casket, symbolizing their farewell to the coin that has served as a staple in American currency since its inception.
During the event, Ramp economist Ara Kharazian delivered an “autopsy report” outlining the penny’s economic decline. He emphasized how each penny currently costs nearly 4 cents to produce, making its continued minting impractical.
The ceremonial funeral follows a significant announcement made by President Donald Trump earlier this year, stating plans to discontinue penny production due to the financial burden it placed on taxpayers. “For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents,” Trump expressed on social media, urging the Secretary of the Treasury to halt production.
As the final penny was struck by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last month, the mock funeral symbolizes a turning point in American currency, as society increasingly embraces cashless transactions. The event not only commemorated the penny but also served as a reflection on changing economic realities in the United States.
With the rise of digital payments and the impracticality of maintaining the penny, this mock funeral at the Lincoln Memorial attracted attention, highlighting the emotional connection many Americans have to this longstanding piece of currency.
As the nation moves forward, the implications of this shift in currency production will resonate, prompting discussions about the future of money in a digital age. The funeral event has sparked interest across social media platforms, encouraging people to share their thoughts on the impact of this change.
Stay tuned for further developments as the conversation around currency continues to evolve.
