The US government’s official phaseout of the penny has prompted a surge of online sales listing rolls of one-cent coins for hundreds or even thousands of dollars — but don’t be fooled, an expert says.

On November 12, 2025, an era of American currency quietly came to an end. The U.S. Mint officially struck its final batch of circulating pennies, ending a production run that spanned over a century.

The last minted pennies are about to be auctioned off and signs are the coins will bring – excuse the expression – a pretty penny. The U.S. Mint last month announced the auction, to be held Thursday, ...