The Penny’s Days Are Numbered
Say Goodbye to Pennies Pennies have been a part of American life forever, but their time might be up. The U.S. Mint says it costs more to make a penny than it’s worth about 2.7 cents per coin in 2024. That’s a losing deal. Plus, many people just toss them in jars or leave them on sidewalks. Talks about phasing out pennies are picking up, with some lawmakers saying they’re outdated. If pennies disappear, what should you do with that dusty jar of coins sitting on your shelf? Don’t worry—there are plenty of smart and fun ways to make those pennies count.
Cash Them In for Real Money
One easy option is to turn your pennies into cash you can actually use. Many grocery stores have coin-counting machines, like Coinstar, that swap your coins for bills or gift cards. There’s usually a small fee, around 11-12%, but some machines let you skip the fee if you choose a gift card for places like Amazon or Starbucks. Banks are another good spot—some will count your coins for free if you’re a customer. Just call ahead to check. Rolling your pennies into those paper wrappers is another way, but it takes time. Either way, you can turn that jar into cash for groceries, gas, or a coffee run.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Coin-counting machine | Fast, convenient, gift card option | Small fee (unless gift card) |
| Bank | Often free for customers | May need to roll coins yourself |
| Coin wrappers | No fees, DIY | Time-consuming |
Get Creative with Your Pennies
If you’re feeling crafty, pennies can be more than money they can be art. People make cool things like penny-covered picture frames, coasters, or even tabletops. Just glue them down and seal with resin for a shiny, copper look. Kids can join in, too, with simple projects like penny mosaics. If you’ve got a lot of pennies, consider donating them to a school art program or a charity that accepts loose change. It’s a fun way to give your coins a new life and spark some creativity.
Donate to Make a Difference
Your pennies can do good for others. Many charities, like the Salvation Army or local food banks, happily take loose change. Some even have “penny drives” where small donations add up fast. For example, a jar of 500 pennies is $5—enough to help buy a meal for someone in need. You can also look for donation jars at stores or restaurants. It’s an easy way to clear out your jar and feel good about helping your community.
Save Them for the Future
Believe it or not, pennies might become collectibles one day. Older ones, like those from before 1982, are made of mostly copper and could be worth more than one cent to collectors
