A Big Change for Small Change
Pennies Are Vanishing The penny’s days are numbered, and Ohioans are getting ready for a future without those familiar one-cent coins. The U.S. Mint plans to stop making pennies by early 2026, saying they cost too much to produce. This move, backed by President Donald Trump to cut government spending, has folks across Ohio wondering what to do with their stashes of pennies. From cashing them in to hunting for rare ones, there are smart ways to make the most of your pennies before they disappear from pockets and purses.
Why Pennies Are on the Way Out
Making a penny costs about 3.7 cents in 2024, way more than its one-cent value, according to the U.S. Mint. With billions of pennies minted each year, that adds up to a big loss. Trump called it a waste and pushed the Treasury to end production. Soon, cash purchases will round to the nearest nickel, so pennies won’t be needed for exact change. For now, pennies are still good to use, but they’ll slowly fade from circulation as fewer are made. Ohioans need to act before pennies become harder to spend.
Turn Pennies Into Cash
Ohioans have plenty of ways to cash in their pennies. Coinstar machines, found in stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Meijer in cities like Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo, can count your coins and swap them for cash or gift cards. You’ll pay a small fee, which varies by location, but it’s an easy way to empty those heavy jars. Banks like Huntington or Fifth Third in Ohio also take rolled pennies for deposits, often with no fee. Check Coinstar’s website with your zip code to find a nearby machine and start turning pennies into dollars.
| Penny Cash-In Options | Details |
|---|---|
| Coinstar Machines | At Walmart, Kroger, Meijer; small fee applies |
| Banks | Huntington, Fifth Third accept rolled pennies; usually free |
| Coin Shops | Check for rare pennies; some worth thousands |
| Save for Future | Rare pennies may increase in value over time |
Look for Hidden Treasures
Before you cash in, check your pennies for rare ones that could be worth a lot. A 1943 copper penny, made by mistake during World War II, can sell for over $1 million. Other valuable pennies include the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, or 1969-S doubled die, worth anywhere from $100 to $100,000. Look for a mint mark like “D” or “S” under the date and check for doubled text or images with a magnifying glass. Take any unusual pennies to a coin shop in Ohio or contact the American Numismatic Association for an appraisal.
How Ohio Will Feel the Change
Stopping penny production will change shopping in Ohio. Cash purchases will round to the nearest five cents, which might nudge prices up slightly. This could affect cash-heavy communities, like rural areas or Amish markets in Holmes County, where exact change matters. Over time, pennies might become collectibles, possibly worth more as they get scarcer. Businesses will still take pennies for now, and card or digital payments won’t change. Ohioans should start thinking about how to use or save their pennies while they’re still around.
Don’t Wait to Act
With pennies set to vanish, Ohioans should start sorting their change now. Look for rare coins, cash them in at Coinstar or banks, or keep them as future keepsakes. Coin shops in Columbus and Cincinnati are seeing more people checking their pennies, so don’t miss out. That dusty jar in your kitchen could hold a rare penny worth thousands or enough cents to cash in for something fun. Take a moment to check your pennies today you might be holding a small fortune!
