📜 A Little History of the Penny — And Why It May Be Time to Say Goodbye Since 1792, the U.S. penny has been a constant in American life. From the 1793 Birch Cent, through the Indian Head and Lincoln Wheat varieties, to the Union Shield Penny of today, this tiny coin has spanned over two centuries of change. But as of November 12, 2025, the penny’s run officially ends — at least in terms of new production. United States Mint struck its final circulating penny at its Philadelphia facility after m