When the United States Mint struck its final pennies last November, the coins were destined to become more than a relic—they were set to become record‑breaking auction treasures.
Auction Details
Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a California auction house, announced that 232 sets of three coins were sold on behalf of the United States Mint for a total of $16.76 million.
Each set comprised a 2025 penny from the Philadelphia Mint, a 2025‑D penny from the Denver Mint, and a special 2025 penny struck in 24‑karat gold at the Philadelphia Mint.
The inclusion of the 24‑karat gold penny made each set a unique collector’s item.
The auction lasted four hours of competitive bidding, drawing unprecedented interest from collectors.
Bidders placed multiple offers, reflecting the high demand for the final pennies.
The auction was conducted in a secure environment, with all sets inspected by numismatic experts before bidding.
The final sets were displayed in a dedicated gallery, allowing collectors to view the unique gold penny up close.
Historical Context
President Donald Trump had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt one‑cent coin production as a cost‑cutting measure.
In response, the Philadelphia Mint struck the nation’s final pennies in November, ending 232 years of circulating production.
Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally said, “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on” in a statement at the time.
Record‑Breaking Sales
The sets sold for an average of $72,000, but the first set fetched $200,000 and the last set of pennies ever struck sold for a record‑breaking $800,000.
That sale makes it the most valuable modern U.S. currency ever sold at auction, surpassing the $550,000 record held by a space‑flown Sacagawea dollar sold in September, according to Stack’s Bowers.
The record $800,000 sale of the last set demonstrates the strong market for the final pennies.
The $16.76 million total reflects the aggregate value of all 232 sets sold.
The $800,000 record set a new benchmark for modern U.S. coins, illustrating the high value collectors place on historical items.
The sale also demonstrated the market’s willingness to pay premium prices for items with significant provenance.
Industry Reaction
Stack’s Bowers Galleries president Brian Kendrella said the sale was an honor.
“It’s an extraordinary honor to again be selected to partner with the United States Mint to offer exciting numismatic rarities to the collecting public,” he said in a press release.
“They captured the public imagination like few rare coins we’ve ever handled. Even our staff of expert numismatists, who see the world’s most famous and valuable rare coins day in and day out, were excited by the chance to handle the very last pennies struck before the suspension of circulating production.”
Kendrella emphasized the excitement felt by his staff, who handle rare coins daily.
Kendrella noted that the auction’s success reflected the enduring appeal of U.S. coinage to collectors worldwide.
He also highlighted the importance of preserving numismatic heritage through such high‑profile sales.
Future of the Penny
There are still an estimated 300 billion copper coins in circulation, and they can still be used in everyday transactions.
However, without new production, the pennies will gradually disappear from daily life, surviving mostly as collectibles and historical keepsakes.
Even though pennies remain in circulation, the lack of new production will eventually reduce their numbers.
The Mint’s decision to halt penny production was part of a broader effort to reduce minting costs.
The last penny was struck at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood on Wednesday, marking the end of an era.
Despite the cessation, the existing pennies will continue to circulate for years, albeit in decreasing numbers.
Significance of the 24‑Karate Gold Penny
The special 2025 penny struck in 24‑karat gold is unique among U.S. currency, as gold has never been used for a circulating coin.
Its inclusion in the final sets added a layer of exclusivity that heightened collector interest.
Collectors value the gold penny for its rarity and historical significance.
The gold penny’s rarity makes it a highly sought‑after item for both hobbyists and professional collectors.
Collector Interest
The auction house noted that the pennies drew “unprecedented” interest, with bidders willing to pay premium prices for the historic sets.
Four hours of competitive bidding underscored the demand and the rarity of the items.
The auction’s success underscores the growing interest in numismatics among younger collectors.
The auction house described the event as a milestone for U.S. numismatic history.
Auction House Statement
Stack’s Bowers Galleries highlighted that the sale was a testament to the enduring appeal of U.S. numismatic history.
The organization expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Mint and for the public’s fascination with the last pennies.
The partnership with the Mint highlights the collaboration between public institutions and private auction houses.
The collaboration between Stack’s Bowers and the Mint showcases the potential for public‑private partnerships in preserving historical artifacts.
Key Takeaways
- 232 sets of final pennies sold for $16.76 million, averaging $72,000 per set.
- The last set sold for a record $800,000, setting a new auction benchmark for modern U.S. currency.
- The cessation of penny production means existing coins will become increasingly rare and collectible.
The auction not only celebrated the end of penny production but also highlighted the enduring fascination collectors have with the smallest unit of U.S. currency.
As the last pennies leave the mint, they enter a new chapter—one where they are valued not just for their face value but for their historical significance and numismatic appeal.
The auction has sparked renewed interest in U.S. coin collecting among both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts.
Collectors noted that the auction’s record prices could influence future valuations of U.S. coinage.
The event also highlighted the importance of auction houses in providing a platform for rare coins to reach a global audience.
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