Government

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

Published

7 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

Rockland County Urges Pedestrian Safety as Crash Numbers Remain a Concern

Published

11 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant on roadways as pedestrian crashes continue to result in serious injuries and fatalities across New York State.

According to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, more than 300 pedestrians are killed and thousands more are injured on New York roadways each year. In Rockland County alone, 208 pedestrians were killed or injured in traffic crashes during 2024.

Pedestrians account for nearly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities statewide, highlighting the importance of safety measures for both drivers and those traveling on foot.

Safety officials say many pedestrian crashes occur at intersections or while crossing roadways. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield the right of way, alcohol use, and inadequate crossing infrastructure.

To help reduce the risk of crashes, Rockland County is encouraging pedestrians to follow several key safety practices:

Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks whenever possible.
Obey pedestrian traffic signals.
Make eye contact with drivers before entering a roadway.
Avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music while walking.
Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight when walking at night.
Walk facing oncoming traffic when sidewalks are unavailable.

County officials emphasize that improving pedestrian safety requires a collaborative effort involving education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. Rockland County continues to support public awareness campaigns and targeted traffic enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian-related crashes.

Officials are urging all residents—whether driving, cycling, or walking—to remain alert and follow traffic laws to help prevent avoidable tragedies.

“Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another.”

The pedestrian safety campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Additional pedestrian safety information is available through the Rockland County Safe Streets program.

Government

West Point Memorial Monument Unveiled at La Fière Bridge Honors WWII Leaders

Published

2 days ago

June 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A new West Point Memorial Monument was unveiled on June 4, 2026, at La Fière Bridge in Sainte-Mère-Église, France, as part of the 82nd Anniversary commemoration of D-Day.

The monument honors more than 150 graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Long Gray Line who led and fought during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that began on June 6, 1944.

Among the most notable West Point graduates associated with the Normandy campaign are General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force; Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, who commanded U.S. ground forces on D-Day; Lieutenant General J. Lawton Collins, who led VII Corps during the assault on Utah Beach; and Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, who commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the airborne operations preceding the landings. These leaders played pivotal roles in planning and executing the operation that helped turn the tide of World War II in Europe.

Situated near the historic La Fière Bridge, a strategic objective during the Normandy campaign and the site of intense fighting following the airborne landings, the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of West Point graduates who served during the liberation of Europe.

The bridge itself was a critical objective for Allied airborne forces, particularly elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, who fought to secure crossings and protect the inland advance from Utah Beach. The surrounding area remains one of the most studied and visited battlefields of the Normandy campaign.

The unveiling ceremony brought together military leaders, dignitaries, historians, veterans, and members of the public to honor the legacy of those who fought during D-Day and the broader Normandy campaign. The monument serves as a permanent reminder of the contributions made by generations of West Point graduates in defense of freedom during World War II.

Photo: Samantha Sergi