Penny phased out, nickel could be next as bill advances in Congress

The U.S. Senate passed the “Common Cents Act” with unanimous consent on August 7, codifying the end of penny production after the Mint’s final batch in November 2025.

The bill allows retailers to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents when exact change isn’t available, while electronic payments remain unaffected. Business groups, including the National Grocers Association and National Restaurant Association, praised the move for providing regulatory clarity.

A different version already passed the House, so a reconciled bill must clear both chambers before reaching President Trump.

According to The Independent, the nickel—costing 13.8 cents to produce—may be next under review.