Unfortunately, making the one-cent coin really did cost a pretty penny.

After 232 years in circulation — nearly as long as the United States of America has been a country — the final penny was minted Nov. 12 in Philadelphia by United States Treasurer Brandon Beach .

For the historic event, the United States Mint held a ceremonial strike to commemorate the end of the one-cent coin.

“Today the Mint celebrates 232 years of penny manufacturing,” acting Mint Director Kristie McNally shared in a statement . “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on.”

Although no more pennies will be created, there are still an estimated 300 billion copper coins in circulation — that’s $3 billion in value — and can still be used. (Plus, some previously minted pennies

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