Final U.S. Pennies Fetch Over $16 Million at Auction
The last circulating U.S. pennies, including a unique 24-karat gold version, were auctioned for more than $16.76 million, marking the end of a 232-year era.
In a historic auction on December 12, 2025, the final circulating U.S. pennies were sold for over $16.76 million. The event, hosted by Stack's Bowers Galleries on behalf of the United States Mint, featured 232 three-coin sets. Each set included a 2025 penny from the Philadelphia Mint, a 2025-D penny from the Denver Mint, and a 24-karat gold penny minted in Philadelphia—the first of its kind. All coins bore an Omega (Ω) privy mark, symbolizing the conclusion of the penny's 232-year production run.
The 232nd set, containing the last three pennies ever produced along with the original dies used for striking, achieved the highest bid of $800,000, setting a record for modern U.S. numismatic items. Stack's Bowers Galleries President Brian Kendrella noted the exceptional public interest, stating,
"They captured the public imagination like few rare coins we've ever handled."
The auction's success underscores the enduring significance of the penny in American culture and its appeal to collectors. The United States Mint ceased penny production in November 2025, citing economic factors and evolving consumer behavior.