This was unique.
A bizarre and highly symbolic event unfolded in Washington, D.C., over the weekend as activists and performers gathered near the Lincoln Memorial to hold what they called a “funeral” for the American penny—just weeks after the U.S. Mint officially ended production of the one-cent coin at the request of President Donald Trump.
The unusual gathering drew hundreds of attendees, many dressed in black or wearing Victorian-style outfits, transforming the historic site into a theatrical display that left many observers scratching their heads. Small caskets were placed on display, and mourners dropped pennies inside or tossed them into a glass bowl of water while making wishes.
Several Abraham Lincoln impersonators were present throughout the event, adding to the spectacle. One attendee dressed as Mary Todd Lincoln addressed the crowd with a familiar phrase Americans have heard for generations: “Find a penny, pick it up, and all day you’ll have good luck.” She joked that the penny had spent its luck on everyone else and had none left for itself.
The event was reportedly organized by a corporate expense-management company, which described the gathering as a lighthearted and symbolic moment. Despite the playful framing, some attendees appeared genuinely emotional, with a few shedding tears over the end of a coin that has been part of American daily life for more than a century.
One participant from Baltimore said the penny represented continuity across generations and called the ceremony a way to honor something that had endured through wars, depressions, and decades of change.
The crowd later listened to speakers, including a descendant of Abraham Lincoln and a popular Lincoln reenactor known online for his historical portrayals. At one point, the audience repeatedly chanted “Abe,” prompting a humorous response that drew applause and laughter.
The end of the penny traces back to earlier this year, when President Trump directed the Treasury Department to stop producing new pennies, citing excessive government waste and rising production costs. Under the plan, no new pennies will be minted for circulation beginning in 2026.
Supporters of the decision have long argued that the penny no longer makes economic sense. According to Treasury data, it cost taxpayers approximately 3.7 cents to produce a single one-cent coin in the most recent fiscal year. By contrast, most other coins cost less to manufacture than their face value.
The penny is not the first U.S. coin to be phased out for practical reasons. Congress eliminated the half-cent coin in 1857, also due to rising costs and declining usefulness.
While everyday production has ended, the final pennies minted last November are expected to become collector’s items. Reports indicate the last batch will be auctioned, including a special 24-karat gold penny featuring an Omega privy mark. The complete final set is expected to sell for as much as $15,000.
For Americans who support fiscal responsibility and smaller government, the end of the penny represents a modest but meaningful step toward reducing wasteful spending. While the weekend’s “funeral” may have appeared strange to many, the policy behind it reflects a broader push for common-sense reforms—and a reminder that even small changes can spark big reactions in Washington.