Mourners gathered to pay their respects at a funeral in the nation’s capital on Saturday.
But this was no ordinary funeral, as the “deceased” being eulogized at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., was the penny, which was discontinued earlier this year. The mock funeral included a casket with former President Abraham Lincoln and former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln being portrayed by actors who joined hundreds to mark the end of production of the one-cent coin.
“Actors portraying presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson also spoke along with someone depicting President Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth,” Fox 10 reported. “Other speakers included a descendant of President Lincoln, Knowlton Anderson, and an economist, Ara Kharazian, who presented an ‘autopsy report’ explaining how each penny costs more than three cents to produce.”
(Video Credit: Action News Now)
The event was hosted by financial management platform Ramp and included a portrait of Lincoln made completely out of pennies.
As previously reported, the last penny was struck at the US Mint in Philadelphia last month, marking the end of the coin’s production after more than two centuries. US Treasurer Brandon Beach was on hand for the history-making moment, as the penny, which has been in circulation since 1793, was pressed for the very last time.
Earlier this month, the final minted pennies were auctioned off for $16.7 million.
The final minted pennies were auctioned off today, shattering expectations by bringing in an astounding $16.7 million, which far exceeded the anticipated $5 million.
These historic coins, a symbol of our nation’s rich heritage, are a testament to the growing strength of our… pic.twitter.com/lkSxpa0fbt
— U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach (@TreasurerBeach) December 12, 2025
At the mock funeral for the coin, mourners “paid” their respects by placing pennies in the casket.
“There was also a special penny-press machine allowing attendees to get special souvenir honoring the one-cent coin,” Fox 10 reported.
Reactions to the drama poured in on social media.
I’m still cackling that they held a funeral for the penny, Pennywise showed up, and people genuinely wondered if 50 Cent was going to make an appearance. 💀😂😂😭 https://t.co/26fhFDb9gR
— Vanessa Nguyen Hernández (@hernandez_64876) December 20, 2025
DC is not a real place. And I live here! Why did they just have a funeral for the penny. Yes like 1¢. They had a casket and everything! 😭😭😭😂😂
— Murph & Turf (@JamesMurphy) December 21, 2025
“What did you do this weekend?”
Oh I went to the penny funeral
“The what?” https://t.co/0hBfUmh70U
— Khalil (@HeadHonchoo) December 20, 2025
there are millions of pennies in jars in people’s homes
who organizes the drama club events?
— Lewis Zero (@intheyearzero) December 21, 2025
A 230-year run ends quietly a small coin with a big place in history finally gets its farewell
— Michael E. NIX (@MichaelNIXG) December 22, 2025
Well that’s super weird
— Alex Nitzberg (@alexnitzberg) December 22, 2025
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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