Comedic commentator Faith Salie shares her perspective on the discontinuation of the penny.
Worthless Cents, Priceless Memory: The Remarkable Story of the Fading Penny
Step aside for a moment and let's talk about something small, overlooked, yet unique - the penny. That common, copper-colored coin that might make you stop in your tracks when you spot it lying on the sidewalk.
With rumors swirling that they're on their way out, these humble pennies won't be found in circulation as early as next year. It won't happen overnight, but like snowy winters, landline phones, or CDs, they're fading away.
You may think, "So what? Pennies are archaic and inefficient." Yes, you're right. The government spends 3.7 cents to manufacture a single penny, resulting in an annual loss of $85 million. Most of us don't even carry cash anymore. It's all about new technologies like cryptocurrencies.
But in a reality where everyone seems to be working hard to look down, the penny remains a simple reminder to appreciate the little things in life, as if dropped down from the skies - pennies from heaven!
The very first penny minted in the United States in 1792 featured a woman named Lady Liberty. It was considered unpatriotic to have a ruler's image on a coin, so the penny was a symbol of our nation's freedom.
In 1909, a new face joined the coin - President Abraham Lincoln. The iconic design that adorns the Lincoln cent today was created by Victor David Brenner, an immigrant from Lithuania. It's said to be the most reproduced piece of art in history.
The year 1943 saw a change in the penny's composition due to World War II. Instead of copper, they were made of zinc-coated steel, freeing up valuable copper resources for the war effort.
Should we let that rich history slip away with the tide? Of course not, if we keep tossing our dreams and wishes into its arc.
"A penny for your thoughts" is an old saying that dates back nearly 500 years. In bygone days, offering someone a penny meant that their thoughts were truly worth something.
In the digital age, nobody flings a bitcoin into a fountain. Instead, I, for one, will continue to search the streets for those tarnished angels of chance.
Long live the penny!
This story was brought to you by Liza Monasebian. Chief Editors: Ed Givnish.
For More Info:
- faithsalie.com
Learn More:
- A Journey Through Time: The Evolution of the Penny
- Immigrant Talent: Creating Art on the United States Cents
- In God We Trust: The Story Behind Our National Motto
- The History of the Penny in America
Enrichment Data:The Historically Significant Penny
The United States penny, originating in 1792, has a rich history that extends beyond its monetary value. The first coins, known as the Fugio cent, laid the foundation for the modern penny but were larger and purely copper, featuring Liberty on the obverse and a chain of 15 links on the reverse.
In 1857, the design and composition of the penny changed for economic reasons, shifting to a flying eagle and wreath on the reverse. The introduction of the Lincoln cent in 1909 marked a turning point, as it was the first U.S. coin to showcase a real person—Abraham Lincoln—on its obverse. Over the years, the design of pennies has evolved, with notable designs like early designs featuring Liberty and the Lincoln cent that still circulates today.
The penny has held a profound impact on U.S. culture, symbolizing good fortune, representing the nation's values, and playing a significant role in daily commerce. Despite its discontinuation in the near future, the penny's existence for over 230 years has marked a lasting legacy in American history.
Finance news: The upcoming elimination of the penny from circulation next year has sparked conversations about personal-finance implications and the government's6 loss in the production of pennies. While many view the coin as inefficient, cultural enthusiasts see the penny as a historical symbol representing the nation's values and a reminder to appreciate the little things.
