Repurposing Pennies

☑ LMY VERIFIED

Featuring Sam Edwards, BCU Member Success Area Manager (0:54), on penny stocks, wheat pennies, and different tips on collecting coins, Fiorella Harvey, BCU Retail Branch Operations Manager (7:19), on gifting penny creations, donating pennies to schools and charities, and finding ways to get pennies out of the trash, and Janice Kaples, BCU Member Success Manager (13:10), on copper floors and counter tops, clocks, back splashes, wind chimes, coasters, wall art, and so much more.

Did you know? New pennies will stop being created in 2026. While the penny will still be circulated and ‘legal tender’, (accepted as form of payment), new pennies will no longer be minted/created. According to US Mint and USA Today (usatoday.com), the penny costs approximately 3.69 cents to produce – more than triple its value! Hence, the primary reason to cease penny production.

Here are a few options to consider celebrating the penny’s value and worth knowing it will be ‘going away’ in 2026:

• Collection. Sam explains, “Anything pre 1964 ... coins were approximately 90% silver” – silver trade-in today is just under $40 per ounce. Collecting coins is an appreciating business.
• Gifting & Donating. Pennies are timeless. From clocks to coasters and more, there are so many ways to repurpose pennies. “Donate to local charities and schools”, says Fiorella. Giving is a great way to make use of your change, too.
• Decorating. Think countertops, back splashes, copper flooring, and even wind chimes. “Think outside the box”, says Janice. Be creative and have fun with it!

Note: It is illegal to resale penny-made goods or melt pennies. While we can honor and repurpose our use of pennies, “do not go opening that penny store just yet”, says Janice.

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 Featuring Sam Edwards, Fiorella Harvey, and Janice Kaples |  Edited by: Dani Buschick 

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