The final pennies ever to be minted in the United States made history by selling for a staggering $16.7 million at an auction held by Stack’s Bowers Galleries on behalf of the United States Mint. The auction took place on Friday, December 12, with a total of 232 sets of three coins being sold. Each set consisted of a 2025 penny, a 24-karat gold penny minted in Philadelphia, and a 2025-D penny minted in Denver. These special coins are marked with the final Greek letter Omega, symbolizing the culmination of a legacy that began in 1793 with the Chain Cent.
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The auction experienced unprecedented levels of interest from collectors, leading to nearly four hours of intense bidding. Each set was sold for an average of $72,000, with some fetching over $100,000 each. The most expensive sets were the first set sold for $200,000 and the final set, numbered 232, which sold for an astonishing $800,000. The final set, which included the last circulating pennies from Philadelphia and Denver, the final Omega penny in gold, and three sets of canceled dies used for striking the series, claimed the top price during the auction.
According to Stack’s Bowers Galleries, this final set is now considered the most valuable modern U.S. currency set ever sold, surpassing the previous record held by Space Flown 24-karat Gold Sacagawea dollars. The significance of these pennies being the last to be minted in the U.S. added to their allure and historical value, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Brian Kendrella, President of Stack’s Bowers Galleries, expressed his excitement at handling such rare and historically significant coins.
The auction marked a significant moment in numismatic history, as it came exactly one month after the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia ceased minting the penny. The decision to discontinue the penny was made by President Donald Trump, citing the excessive cost of producing the coin. This move marked the end of an era, as the penny became the first coin to be discontinued since the half-cent in 1857. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the cost-saving measure and others lamenting the end of an iconic coin.
The sale of these final pennies at auction not only broke records but also captured the imagination of collectors and the general public alike. The coins’ rarity, historical significance, and the unique circumstances surrounding their minting and auction contributed to the immense interest and high prices they commanded. The legacy of the penny in American currency history has now taken on new meaning with the conclusion of its minting, leaving behind a valuable and coveted collectible for numismatists and enthusiasts to treasure for years to come.
In conclusion, the sale of the last pennies minted in the U.S. for $16.7 million at auction represents a significant moment in American numismatic history. The rarity and historical significance of these coins, coupled with the unique circumstances of their minting and sale, have solidified their place as highly sought-after collectibles. As the penny joins the ranks of discontinued U.S. coins, its legacy lives on through the record-breaking auction and the enduring fascination it holds for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.