Why It Matters
Every year, the U.S. loses millions producing a coin that costs nearly 4 times its value. The environmental toll is even higher.
About
The Economic Problem
The penny has become a financial burden on the U.S. Treasury, losing money with every coin produced.
Nearly 4× its face value to manufacture[1]GovMint: How Much Does It Cost to Produce Coins
Pennies minted in 2024 (57% of all coins)[1]GovMint: How Much Does It Cost to Produce Coins
Hidden Costs Beyond Production
Environmental Impact
Mining the raw materials for pennies carries a massive environmental cost that goes far beyond the price tag.
Of U.S. open-pit copper mines have experienced water treatment failures[31]Earthworks: U.S. Operating Copper Mines - Failure to Capture & Treat Wastewater
Tons of CO₂ equivalent per ton of copper produced[32]MDPI: Life Cycle Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions of Copper Production in China
The Path Forward
The evidence is overwhelming: eliminating penny production will save taxpayers millions, reduce environmental damage, and align the U.S. with successful international examples.
- No measurable inflation impact
- Transparent rounding systems
- Digital payments preserve exact amounts
- Immediate environmental benefits