Final U.S. Penny Sets Fetch Over $16.76 Million at Auction

The final circulating U.S. pennies have been sold at auction, marking the end of a 232-year era. On December 12, 2025, Stack's Bowers Galleries auctioned 232 three-coin sets, each comprising a 2025 penny from the Philadelphia Mint, a 2025-D penny from the Denver Mint, and a 24-karat gold uncirculated penny from Philadelphia. These sets featured an "Ω" privy mark, symbolizing the conclusion of the penny's production, which began in 1793.

The auction garnered over $16.76 million, with each set averaging more than $72,000. The final set, numbered 232, sold for $800,000 and included the original dies used to mint the coins. This sale set a new record for modern U.S. numismatic items.

Brian Kendrella, President of Stack's Bowers Galleries, expressed honor in partnering with the U.S. Mint for this historic event. Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally highlighted the penny's 232-year history and the opportunity for the public to commemorate this moment through the special sets.

The U.S. Mint ceased penny production in November 2025 due to rising costs, as each penny cost nearly 4 cents to produce, leading to an annual loss of $85.3 million in the 2024 fiscal year. President Donald Trump directed the Treasury to halt production, citing wastefulness.

Existing pennies will remain in circulation, but no new ones will be produced. The auctioned sets serve as a tribute to the penny's legacy in American currency.