The United States Mint announced a historic auction of 232 special three-coin sets featuring the last circulating pennies ever produced. Each set includes two circulating pennies (one from Denver, one from Philadelphia) and a first-ever 99.99% 24-karat gold uncirculated penny, all bearing a unique Omega privy mark. The auction, hosted by Stack's Bowers Galleries on December 11, 2025, commemorates 232 years of penny production, with the final set including the original dies used to strike these historic coins.
The United States Mint announced a momentous auction that will offer collectors and history enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of American currency history. Stack's Bowers Galleries will auction 232 special three-coin sets in December, each featuring the last circulating pennies ever struck, including a groundbreaking 24-karat gold cent.
Historic Three-Coin Sets
Each commemorative set includes two circulating pennies—one from the Denver Mint and one from the Philadelphia Mint—alongside a first-ever 99.99% 24-karat gold uncirculated penny also minted in Philadelphia. All three coins bear a unique Omega (Ω) privy mark, signifying they are among the last circulating pennies ever struck by the Mint.
"The Mint is excited to share this opportunity with the American public," said Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally. "The penny has withstood 232 years of our Nation's history, and we are proud to offer the chance for the public to celebrate this moment into perpetuity by purchasing one of these special sets. It truly an honor to continue Connecting America through Coins."
Ceremonial Strike and Authentication
United States Treasurer Brandon Beach and Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally personally operated the presses to strike the final Philadelphia-minted Omega coins, recognizing their historic significance. Each set will be accompanied by a serialized Certificate of Authenticity.
The number of sets—232—directly recognizes the 232 years of continuous penny production since the Coinage Act of 1792. The final set, number 232, will include an extraordinary addition: the three original dies used to strike these coins, making it a truly unique piece of American numismatic history.
Auction Details
Live bidding for these three-coin sets will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST (9 a.m. PST). The auction will be hosted on the Stack's Bowers Galleries website at www.StacksBowers.com and broadcast from Griffin Studios in the firm's Costa Mesa, California headquarters.
The End of an Era
This auction represents more than just a collector's opportunity—it marks the conclusion of more than two centuries of the penny's role in American commerce. With production costs reaching 3.69 cents per penny and the coin's diminishing role in modern transactions, the Mint's decision to cease circulating production reflects the changing nature of currency in the digital age.
While circulating production has ended, the Mint will continue producing numismatic versions of the penny in limited quantities for historical and collector purposes, ensuring the penny's legacy endures for future generations.
About the United States Mint
Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins.