'Funeral' held for the penny at Lincoln Memorial after US Mint discontinues coin In a somber yet whimsical ceremony, hundreds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to bid farewell to the humble penny, an iconic American coin that has now been discontinued by the U.S. Mint. The event, which took place on a chilly Saturday morning, was organized by a group of self-proclaimed "penny enthusiasts" who wanted to give the one-cent piece a proper sendoff. Mourners arrived dressed in black or Victorian-era attire, some carrying small caskets to symbolize the penny's symbolic "death." Others came equipped with jars of pennies, ready to toss them into makeshift coffins as a final act of tribute. "The penny has been a part of our currency and our daily lives for centuries," said Evelyn Holbrook, the event's organizer. "Its discontinuation marks the end of an era, and we felt it was important to come together and honor its legacy." The decision to discontinue the penny was made by the U.S. Mint last month, citing the rising costs of production and the declining purchasing power of the coin. With the current value of a penny hovering around just 0.01 USD, many have argued that the coin has become largely obsolete in modern times. "The penny just doesn't hold the same value it once did," said Alison Chambers, a local resident who attended the funeral. "I can't remember the last time I actually used one for a purchase. It's kind of sad to see it go, but I understand why the Mint made this decision." Indeed, the penny's gradual decline has been a long time coming. Over the past several decades, the cost of producing a single penny has exceeded its face value, leading to calls for the coin's retirement. In 2006, a U.S. Government Accountability Office report estimated that the Mint was losing nearly $50 million annually on penny production. Despite these economic concerns, the penny has maintained a strong cultural significance in America. Many view the coin as a symbol of frugality, hard work, and the country's enduring values. The Lincoln Memorial event was a testament to this sentiment, with attendees sharing fond memories and personal anecdotes about the penny's role in their lives. "I remember as a kid, my grandmother would always give me a couple of pennies to put in my piggy bank," recalled Holbrook. "It was such a simple gesture, but it taught me the importance of saving and being financially responsible. The penny may be small, but it's had a big impact on so many people's lives." The funeral ceremony itself was a mix of solemnity and levity. Attendees took turns delivering eulogies and reminiscing about the penny's history, while Abraham Lincoln impersonators stood watch over the proceedings. At one point, a group of mourners even broke out into a rendition of "Pennies from Heaven," the classic song that celebrates the humble coin. "It's bittersweet, but also kind of fitting that we're holding this event at the Lincoln Memorial," said Chambers. "After all, the penny has always been closely associated with the 16th President, who's featured on the coin's design." Indeed, the Lincoln penny has been a fixture of American currency since its introduction in 1909, marking the 100th anniversary of the president's birth. Over the decades, the coin has undergone various design changes, including the addition of the iconic Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side in 1959. But despite its longevity and cultural significance, the penny's days are now numbered. The U.S. Mint has announced that it will continue to produce the coin until existing inventory is depleted, after which point it will cease minting new pennies altogether. "It's the end of an era, but also the start of something new," said Holbrook. "Who knows, maybe in the future we'll see a resurgence of interest in the penny, and it will make a comeback. For now, we're just trying to celebrate its legacy and give it the send-off it deserves." As the ceremony drew to a close, mourners filed past the caskets, each dropping in a penny and making a wish. Some wiped away tears, while others simply stood in silent reflection, bidding a final farewell to the iconic one-cent piece. "The penny may be small, but it's had a big impact on our country's history," said Chambers. "It's sad to see it go, but I'm glad we could all come together today to honor its memory."