Last pennies to be minted today Wednesday Nov. 12

Today Wednesday November 12^th is the last day will be minted in the United States. After 238 years in circulation the phasing out of the penny will begin today with the last mint run being done in Philadelphia. President Donald Trump announced on social media in February he had instructed the Mint to stop making the penny citing cost of production. The penny costs nearly four cents to mint, making it more than what the coin is worth. The last time the United States did away with a coin was the half penny or hay penny 168 year s ago. Despite the mint no longer making pennies those in circulation will remain legal tender.