Penny Ending? New Bill Could Change Cash Payments

The penny has been part of U.S. currency since 1793, but it could soon become a thing of the past.. A new bill could make cash transactions easier by allowing payments to be rounded without requiring pennies.

The United States Penny: A Coin With Centuries of History

The first pennies produced in the United States were made of pure copper and were much larger than today’s coins, measuring about the size of a modern half-dollar. The penny began to take on its familiar appearance in 1909 when President Abraham Lincoln’s portrait was added to the front. In 1959, the reverse side was redesigned to feature the Lincoln Memorial. Then in 1982, the composition of the penny changed from mostly copper to a zinc core covered with a thin layer of copper.

The final penny was reportedly struck at the U.S. Mint on November 12, 2025. As pennies gradually disappear from circulation, making exact change with cash could become more complicated. However, a new approach to handling cash transactions could soon make the transition easier.

Paying Cash Without Pennies? New Bill Has a Plan

With new pennies no longer being minted, businesses and shoppers may soon need to adjust how cash transactions are handled.

According to WOOD TV8, a shortage of pennies has developed after the U.S. stopped producing new coins. A bill passed by the House could help address some of the confusion by providing guidance on how cash transactions should be handled moving forward.

The bill, known as the ‘Common Cents Act,’ would allow businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents. For example, a $21.92 purchase could be rounded down to $21.90, while a $21.93 purchase could be rounded up to $21.95. The change would only apply to cash payments and would not affect transactions made by check, mobile payment, or credit and debit cards.

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The Senate would still need to approve the bill before it can become law and take effect. In the meantime, some businesses have already started adjusting their cash payment practices in preparation for potential changes.

👇BELOW: The Hidden Meaning of Coins on Gravestones👇

The Hidden Meaning of Coins on Gravestones

Believe it or not, all of the coins that can occasionally add up on the gravestones of service men and women--especially leading up to days like Memorial Day--mean something.

Take a look below to see what all of it means--and what coins have to do with it all!

Gallery Credit: Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM