You may have noticed fewer pennies in circulation lately, and you’re not imagining it. We are heading toward a shift in how we use exact-change coins. Here’s what you should know, and why it matters to you locally.
What’s going on?
The cost to produce a single penny is now more than its face value. The Federal Reserve Bank believes it doesn't make sense to keep minting them.
A shortage of pennies means banks and businesses must be more mindful of their coin inventory and how they handle cash payments.
Even though pennies may decline in output, they remain legal tender as of today. If you have them, you can still use them.
What does this mean for you and our community?
When you pay with cash, you might see totals rounded to the nearest nickel rather than exact to the 1 cent. For example, a $1.27 total might become $1.25, while a $1.38 total might become $1.40.
If you’ve got a jar of pennies at home, now is a good time to bring them in. Depositing loose change helps keep the coin system flowing and ensures your change stays working for you.
Businesses and services in our area: If you run a cash-intensive operation (like a café, market, or service shop), it’s smart to review your change practices now and make sure you have enough nickels, consider signage about rounding, and communicate clearly with customers.
Digital and mobile payments: They’re unaffected by the penny-shift. Your mobile wallet, debit card, and online payment still work to the exact cent.
Tips
Bring in your extra pennies and coins.
Try using your mobile wallet or debit card for ease and accuracy.
If you pay with cash, pay attention to whether your change gets rounded, and ask questions if something doesn’t seem right.
Local businesses: Consider clearly mentioning rounding practices to customers so there’s no surprise.
In the transition, be kind and patient: fewer pennies = change in behavior. We’re all figuring this out together.
Crystal Wade
