US penny mint halt triggers shortages
AP reports the U.S. stopped producing pennies in mid‑2025 under President Trump, and with the last coins minted in June and distributed by August, banks are now rationing pennies and retailers nationwide are running out as the holiday season approaches. The Treasury placed its last planchet order in May; 2024 saw 3.23 billion pennies minted even as each cost 3.7 cents to make, and merchants are asking for exact change or rounding to avoid legal exposure—operational shifts that will affect Twin Cities cash transactions.
📌 Key Facts
- Trump announced on Feb. 9 that the U.S. would stop minting pennies due to cost.
- Treasury placed its final penny planchet order in May; the last pennies were minted in June and distributed by August.
- Banks report rationing and retailers are altering change/rounding practices; 3.23B pennies were minted in 2024 and each cost 3.7¢ to produce.