Farewell to the Penny
A mock funeral for the penny, which was discontinued earlier this year, was held Saturday in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The funeral was a unique way for people to say goodbye to the coin that has been a part of American currency for over a century.
The Ceremony
Mourners gathered in Washington, DC to pay their respects to the penny. The funeral was fittingly held outside the Lincoln Memorial, as the penny features a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. A couple dressed as Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln were in attendance, adding to the historical significance of the event.
A Symbolic Gesture
President Trump signed an executive order earlier this year ending penny production at mints due to their high cost. The last penny was minted in Philadelphia on November 12, 2025. As a symbolic gesture, mourners threw pennies into the coffin for the coin. A portrait of Lincoln made from pennies was also displayed at the ceremony.
Attendees
The funeral attracted a diverse group of attendees, including Abraham Lincoln impersonators who served as pallbearers. A pair of mourners dressed as giant pennies, while another attendee brought a rusted penny pillow. Even Pennywise, the clown from “It,” made an appearance.
A Somber Occasion
The mood was somber, with many attendees dressed in black to show their respect for the departed coin. A mourner dressed in a black veil was seen paying her respects, while others took photos to commemorate the occasion. The funeral was a unique way for people to come together and say goodbye to a part of American history.
