The US Mint's 232-Year Penny Tradition Is Ending—Here's What to Know

After 232 years, the United States Mint is retiring the penny.

In a recent press release, the Mint announced that the last circulating one-cent coins will be available for auction in December. The special sale will include 232 three-coin sets celebrating 232 years of penny production.

"The Mint is excited to share this opportunity with the American public," said Kristie McNally, the Mint's acting director. "The penny has withstood 232 years of our Nation's history, and we are proud to offer the chance for the public to celebrate this moment into perpetuity by purchasing one of these special sets. It's truly an honor to continue Connecting America through Coins."

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Each historic set includes two circulating pennies—one from each of the Mint's production facilities in Denver and Philadelphia. For the first time, a 99.99 percent, 24-karat gold uncirculated penny minted in Philadelphia will also be included.

The sets will come with a serialized certificate of authenticity. The final set, numbered 232, will include the three original dies used to strike the coins. Each coin will bear a unique Omega (Ω) privy mark, signifying that it is among the last of the circulating pennies.

According to the release, live bidding for these three-coin sets will be hosted on StacksBowers.com and broadcast from Griffin Studios in the firm’s Costa Mesa, California, headquarters at 12 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 11.