(NEXSTAR) — The day has finally come: the U.S. Mint is pressing its last pennies on Wednesday. It comes as retailers across the country are already facing empty penny slots in their cash registers.

The pennies were struck at the mint in Philadelphia, the same location that the one-cent coins have been produced at since 1793, a year after Congress passed the Coinage Act.

But, pennies have become some of the most expensive to make when compared to their actual value.

Two of the last five pennies pressed at the U.S. Mint are presented during a news conference in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

A die for a penny press is seen at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Blank coins wait to be the last pennies pressed at

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