The Penny Is Going Away — But Here’s What That Really Means for You (and the Market)

Nov 13

If you’ve heard rumors about the American penny disappearing, they’re true… sort of.

In November 2025, the United States Mint officially struck the last batch of pennies for everyday use. No big ceremony. No countdown. Just the end of a coin that’s been around for more than two centuries. United States Mint+1

And while nobody expects the world to fall apart without the 1-cent coin, this change tells us something bigger about where the economy is headed — and yes, that includes real estate.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

So… the penny is gone?

Here’s the simplest version:

They stopped making new pennies. AP News+1
The ones in your junk drawer still work. United States Mint+1
You don’t have to turn anything in.
This won’t affect your daily life overnight.

Think of it like a slow fade-out. As stores run out of pennies, they just won’t get more.

You’ll probably still find one in your couch cushions for the next 20 years — but eventually, they’ll become more like souvenirs than currency.

Why did they get rid of it?

Honestly? It came down to common sense.

It cost almost 4 cents to make a single penny. United States Mint+1
Most people don’t use them.
Cash transactions are shrinking.

At some point, it stopped making sense to spend millions producing something the country keeps dropping on the ground and ignoring.

But here’s where it connects to the bigger picture…

This tiny change is a small signal of something larger: Inflation is reshaping what “value” looks like in America.

When the lowest-value coin loses its purpose, it’s a sign that:

Prices have risen
The economy has shifted
Our relationship with “the small stuff” is changing

But in real estate? The small stuff still matters — a lot.

A small rate dip.
A small negotiation win.
A small bump in taxes or insurance.

Those “pennies” actually make a real difference in your monthly payment.

What this means for buyers & sellers

Here’s the truth:

Most clients aren’t worried about pennies…
They’re worried about affordability, interest rates, and timing.

And this moment in history—the end of the penny—is a good reminder to start talking about:

How inflation affects mortgage rates
What “timing the market” really looks like
Why your buying power changes faster than you think
How small financial shifts create big-picture results

A penny may not move the needle, but a 0.25% change in interest rates absolutely does.

How to explain this to clients (quick script)

“The U.S. stopped making pennies because the cost didn’t make sense anymore. It’s a small change, but it represents the larger economic shifts we’ve been seeing. If you’re wondering how inflation and interest rates might affect your buying or selling plans, let’s talk — those changes matter way more to your bottom line than the penny ever did.”

Simple, honest, and relatable.

**So yes, the penny is disappearing…

but the value conversation is more important than ever.**

People are watching their budgets closer.
They’re comparing lenders and loans more carefully.
They’re paying attention to monthly payments and long-term costs.
This is your chance to show up with clarity, calm, and real market knowledge.

And that’s exactly what Assist My Realtor was built for — breaking down the complicated stuff so you can guide your clients with confidence.

Sources

United States Mint, “Penny FAQs” — cost data, legal-tender status. United States Mint+1
Associated Press, “US Mint presses final pennies as production ends after more than 230 years” — details on final manufacture date. AP News
WGAL article, “Here’s how much it costs to a penny, and other coins” — cost to mint. WGAL