By: A.J. Nichols

The United States Mint ended production of the penny coin on November 15 after 232 years.

The penny was first made in 1792 featuring a woman with flowing hair symbolizing Liberty. The penny evolved with different people or symbols until 1909 when Abraham Lincoln appeared and remained on the penny until 2025.

Debbie Franz and Josh Craig teach finance and business classes here at Bellbrook High School. “I think that from a government standpoint, it will save a lot of money because it costs a lot to make it,” Franz said.

According to the U.S. Mint, the penny coin increased from 1.42 cents to 3.69 cents per penny produced over the last decade.

“If we’re rounding up a lot, that could potentially cause inflation. It costs like 4 cents to make them,” Craig said. “We can spend the money on other programs instead of the production of the penny.”

“From a marketing standpoint the odd even pricing of 4.99, will it have the same effect as just 5.00?” Craig said. “There could be an impact on marketing from price-based promotions.”

Stores like Kroger have already started to implement a policy on rounding up to the nearest nickel when you pay with cash. One thing people are questioning is when they pay with a card, will it still round up to the nearest nickel?

“It will also save a minimal amount of time from counting, especially over a long period of time and businesses won’t be wasting time counting pennies,” Craig said.

“I would say at this point, I would support the cost savings from the government and business standpoint,” Craig said.