What to Do With Pennies After Minting Stops in 2026
So, it’s official: the U.S. Treasury is retiring the penny. Starting in early 2026, they will stop minting them entirely.
If you are anything like me, you probably have a random stash of them tucked away in jars or junk drawers. And now that the penny's on its way out, the big question is — what the heck do we do with all of them?
I've rounded up a mix of fun and innovative ways to get creative with those little copper coins before they officially become... well, history.
Why is the Penny Being Phased Out?
It all comes down to cost. Believe it or not, it actually costs more than one cent to make a penny, which is about as impractical as it sounds.
Once they disappear, stores may start rounding up or down to the nearest nickel for cash transactions. That might not seem like a big deal if you mostly swipe or tap to pay, but over time, it could still subtly shift prices.
And to be clear, pennies will still be legal to spend. But they'll gradually stop circulating, and eventually, it'll be harder to find places that accept them at all. So, now's a good time to get ahead of the curve.
Turn That Penny Jar into Cold Hard Cash
Let's start with the obvious. Roll them up and cash them in. If you've got bowls, bags, or Ziplocs full of pennies lying around, head to the bank or a Coinstar machine and swap them out while you still can.
As pennies disappear, some banks and machines may stop accepting them. You don't want to be the person trying to deposit 2,000 pennies in 2027.
Some Pennies Might Be Worth More Than You Think
Before you lug your stash to the bank, give it a quick scan. Look out for Wheat pennies minted between 1909 and 1958. Some are actually collectible. A few rare ones have sold for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.
If you think you have a rare penny in your collection, consider going to get it professionally graded. It could turn out to be a hidden treasure.
Easy and Creative Ways to Use Pennies Around the House
Not into sorting coins or running errands? Totally fair. Pennies actually come in handy in ways you might not expect. Here are a few:
Can't find your ruler? A penny is exactly ¾ of an inch in diameter. Perfect for a quick measurement.
Tighten a loose screw. Stick a penny in the screw slot and twist. It works in a pinch.
Weigh down stubborn curtains by tucking a few pennies into the bottom hem.
Shiny coffee pot hack: Drop a few pennies and a splash of vinegar inside, swirl, and rinse. It works like magic.
Dog barking too much? Wash a soda can, drop 5-10 pennies inside, and seal the opening with tape. Next time your dog is losing his mind over a squirrel, give it a shake. The sound is unpleasant to our four-legged friends, and they will likely stop barking. It's an old trick, but it still works.
Level a Wobbly Chair: Stack a few pennies and glue them under a wobbly chair leg for a cheap and easy fix.
Homemade doorstop: Fill a small jar with pennies. It's cute and functional.
Craft a Penny Gazing Ball
Okay, this one's for my fellow DIY lovers.
If you want to turn your pennies into something both useful and Pinterest-worthy, try making a penny gazing ball for your garden. Not only does it look lovely, but pennies made before 1983 are mostly copper, which slugs and snails hate. So yes, it's pretty and practical.
Some folks even say copper helps plants grow better. The jury's still out on the science here, but hey, it can't hurt.
Grab something round like an old bowling ball, a foam craft sphere, or even a garden globe works and give it a good wipe so the glue sticks.
Start gluing your pennies on one by one. If you've got older pennies (pre-1983), even better; they're mostly copper, meaning more pest-repellent. You can cover the whole surface or go with a pattern, totally up to you.
If you like that mosaic-style look, fill the gaps with grout.
Finish with a clear outdoor sealant and pop it into your garden near your plants. It's low effort, looks awesome, and might just help keep the slugs away.
Turn Your Pennies Into a Statement Floor
If don't mind getting your hands a little dirty, penny flooring is one of the coolest ways to repurpose your coin stash. This trend has been making its way into kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and even mudrooms — and once it's complete, it's stunning.
It takes patience, but it's actually pretty straightforward.
Materials:
A ton of pennies (around 250 per square foot)
Adhesive (tile mastic, super glue, or construction adhesive works)
Optional grout (if you want that classic tiled look)
Epoxy resin or a clear sealant to lock it all in
A smooth surface to lay everything down on
Clean your pennies (totally optional, but shiny ones do pop more), map out a pattern if you want one, and start gluing. Some folks go freehand; others lay them in neat rows. Either way, take your time.
You can either grout between the coins, or resin alone works great and gives you that glossy, glass-like finish. If you do use grout, be sure to seal the entire area afterward to keep it protected.
Start with a small section or even a countertop if the idea of a whole floor sounds intense. But once it's done? Guaranteed wow factor.
Use Them While You Still Can
Look, the penny isn't disappearing overnight. But it is fading into the past, and now's the perfect time to make the most of the ones you've got.
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