Government

End of an Era: Philadelphia Mint Strikes Final U.S. Penny

Published

9 months ago

November 13, 2025

PHILADELPHIA — November 12, 2025 — After more than two centuries in production, the United States Mint in Philadelphia has struck the nation’s final one-cent coin, officially marking the end of the penny’s long and storied history in American commerce.

The last batch of pennies rolled off the presses Wednesday morning at the historic Philadelphia Mint, where the first U.S. coins were produced in the 1790s. The ceremonial strike was attended by Mint officials, collectors, and invited guests — all witnesses to the conclusion of a 230-year tradition.

“The penny has served the nation well, but the economics simply no longer make sense,” Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson said at the event. “This is both a farewell and a celebration of American coinage history.”

Rising Costs and Changing Times

The decision to end penny production follows years of debate over the coin’s future. According to the Mint, each penny now costs nearly four cents to produce, far exceeding its one-cent face value. Inflation, rising metal costs, and declining cash transactions accelerated the decision.

Existing pennies will remain legal tender, but no new coins will be made for general circulation.

A Special Final Strike

The final coins, minted in Philadelphia, bear a unique “Ω” (Omega) mint mark to symbolize the end of production. These pieces will not enter circulation; instead, they will be archived, auctioned, or reserved for collectors.

The standard design — featuring President Abraham Lincoln’s portrait and the Union Shield reverse — remains unchanged for this last issue.

A Legacy Spanning Generations

Since 1909, the Lincoln cent has been one of the most recognized coins in the world. For many Americans, it represents more than small change — it’s a cultural artifact found in pockets, piggy banks, and time capsules for generations.

“The penny was the first coin many of us held as children,” said numismatist Jennifer Stapleton of the American Numismatic Association. “Its retirement closes a chapter of everyday Americana.”

Philadelphia’s Historic Role

The Philadelphia Mint, the nation’s first and largest coin-production facility, has been responsible for most of the country’s pennies throughout history. Until recent decades, Philadelphia-minted coins typically carried no mint mark, making them the default U.S. issue.

Government

Turn Food Scraps Into Compost with Rockland’s Recycling Program

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

After a summer barbecue or family gathering, those leftover food scraps don’t have to end up in the trash.

Rockland County is encouraging residents to join its Food Scrap Recycling Program, which diverts food waste from landfills and turns it into nutrient-rich compost.

Food scraps that end up in landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By recycling items such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other food waste, residents can help reduce emissions while creating a valuable resource for agriculture and landscaping.

County officials say the program is easy to join and can make a meaningful difference in reducing a household’s environmental footprint.

From banana peels and watermelon rinds to leftovers from backyard cookouts, every bit of food waste recycled helps keep organic material out of landfills.

Residents interested in participating can learn more and sign up through the county’s Food Scrap Recycling Program.

Government

Rockland Health Department Issues Hudson River Recreation Update

Published

3 weeks ago

July 5, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health is advising residents that the Yonkers Wastewater Recovery Facility has been fully operational since July 3, while reminding the public to follow state health guidance when recreating on the Hudson River this holiday weekend.

According to the department, the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation have been coordinating with Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City, and other partner agencies following the wastewater system disruption.

Health officials said residents should not drink untreated Hudson River water under any circumstances. They also advise against swimming or participating in activities that involve full-body immersion at beaches that remain closed.

However, officials said recreational activities involving partial contact with the water—including boating, kayaking, and fishing—are considered safe. Anglers are encouraged to review New York State Department of Health fish consumption advisories before eating their catch.

The Rockland County Department of Health said it will continue working with state and local agencies to monitor conditions.