(NEXSTAR) — For the first time since 1793, the U.S. is minting no new pennies. There are still billions of pennies in circulation, but those imprinted with “2025” will likely be difficult to find.
If you want to ensure you can add a 2025 penny to your collection — including even more unique pennies that aren’t made with copper — you’ll soon have your chance.
The final pennies struck in the U.S. are set to be auctioned off in December by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. The auctioneer said the pennies will be sold in sets of three: one minted in Denver and two in Philadelphia, where the first-ever penny was produced. One of the Philadelphia pennies is, however, far unlike its ancestors, as it was struck in 24-karat gold.
“The 24 karat gold penny is a true modern rarity, representing the first cent officially struck in gold and one of the rarest non-Proof gold coins to ever emerge from the United States Mint,” Stack’s Bowers said in a release.
They have all been dubbed Omega privy-mark Lincoln pennies due to the “Ω” privy mark imposed on them. Omega, being the final letter of the Greek alphabet, serves to note the significance of the pennies.
As a tribute to the penny’s 232-year lifespan, there will be 232 three-coin sets available exclusively through the Stack’s Bowers sale on December 11, 2025. According to the auctioneer, each three-cent set (which is undoubtedly worth more than three cents) includes a serialized Certificate of Authenticity.
Whoever is lucky enough to snag set #232 will also receive the original dies used to make the coins at the hands of United States Treasurer Brandon Beach and United States Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally. The pair operated the presses to strike the last-ever pennies.
Watch below: US ends production of the penny in cost-saving move
“We are extremely honored to once again present a historic selection of modern rarities on behalf of the United States Mint,” said Stack’s Bowers Galleries President Brian Kendrella. “These Omega privy mark Lincoln pennies are a fitting celebration of one of the most popular and influential denominations in American coinage.”
According to Stack’s Bowers, no series of pennies has fewer coins than the Omega privy-mark coins.
If you’d like to get your hands on one of the 232 sets, live bidding will start at noon EST on December 11 on the Stack’s Bowers website. With the buyer’s premium waived, the highest bid on each lot will be the final amount paid by the bidder, excluding shipping fees.
Penny production ends: Now what?
While the pennies collecting dust in your piggy bank have not suddenly grown in value since penny production ended in early November (though there are some that can be worth thousands), they aren’t worthless, either.
The penny is still considered legal tender in the U.S., and you can still pay with pennies. In fact, some retailers may be willing to pay you for your one-cent coins, in a sense. Other retailers may, however, ask you not to pay with cash or round your change due to a lack of pennies.
Though no new pennies are entering circulation, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach says there are more than 300 billion sitting in car cupholders, coin purses, “take a penny” dishes, and anywhere else a little Lincoln can fit.
But, if the pennies aren’t being spent and deposited, it’s difficult to actually get them circulating.
There’s likely also little value to stockpiling pennies, even as production halts. Unless you have a rare penny, your one-cent coins are likely still only worth one cent.