### Historic Auction Marks the End of U.S. Penny Production with $16.7 Million Sale The final batch of U.S. pennies ever minted has been sold at auction for an astonishing total of **$16.76 million**. This event marks a significant moment in numismatic history, as it concludes the era of the penny, which has been in circulation since 1793. The auction took place on December 12, 2025, and was conducted by Stack's Bowers Galleries, a prominent auction house specializing in rare coins. The sale included **232 three-coin sets**, each featuring a 2025 penny, a 24-karat gold penny from Philadelphia, and a 2025-D penny from Denver, all adorned with a unique Omega symbol to signify their historic value [https://timesnewsnetworks.com/last-us-pennies-ever-minted-fetch-whopping-16-7-million-at-auction][https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/12/17/penny-auction-results-16-million/87753262007]. ### Breakdown of the Auction Event and Its Significance 1. **Auction Details**: - The auction was held on December 12, 2025, by Stack's Bowers Galleries. - A total of **232 sets** were sold, each containing three coins: a 2025 penny, a 24-karat gold penny, and a 2025-D penny. - The highest bid for one of the sets reached **$800,000** [https://apnews.com/article/auction-last-american-pennies-sold-millions-95dab2436556b90cea861730c6004194]. 2. **Historical Context**: - The U.S. Mint ceased production of the penny in 2025, making these coins the last of their kind. - The penny has been a staple of American currency since its inception in **1793**, and its discontinuation marks the end of an era [https://aol.com/articles/pretty-penny-last-us-cents-005646804.html]. 3. **Market Reaction**: - The auction drew significant interest from collectors, reflecting the high value placed on historical currency. - The total sales amount of **$16.76 million** underscores the rarity and desirability of these final pennies [https://www.businessinsider.com/the-final-batch-of-pennies-sold-for-16-7-million-2025-12]. ### Supporting Data from the Auction - **Total Amount Sold**: **$16.76 million** - **Number of Sets Sold**: **232** - **Highest Bid for a Single Set**: **$800,000** - **Composition of Each Set**: - One **2025 penny** (struck in Philadelphia) - One **2025-D penny** (struck in Denver) - One **24-karat gold penny** [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/last-pennies-ever-minted-sold-16-million-historic-auction/4318336]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Milestone in U.S. Currency The auction of the last U.S. pennies represents a **historic milestone** in American currency, concluding the long-standing tradition of the penny. The overwhelming success of the auction, with total sales exceeding **$16 million**, highlights the cultural and historical significance of these coins. 1. **Finality of Production**: The U.S. Mint's decision to cease penny production has been met with both nostalgia and acceptance. 2. **Collector Interest**: The high auction prices reflect a robust market for rare and historical coins. 3. **Cultural Impact**: The penny's discontinuation signifies a shift in American currency practices, as the nation moves towards a cashless future [https://www.sunny923.com/i/final-u-s-pennies-fetch-16-7-million-at-historic-auction][https://news.mogaznews.com/index.php/news/13615/us/December-16-2025/Rare-final-pennies-to-ever-be-minted-in-the-US-sell-for-$16-7m-at-auction].