What should you do with the ones in your coin jar, with the penny going away?

For generations, pennies have piled up in jars, drawers, and cup holders across American homes. Now, with the U.S. government moving toward phasing out the penny, many people are wondering what they’re supposed to do with the ones they already have.

The good news: you don’t need to rush, panic, or throw anything away.

Is the Penny Really Going Away?

Yes, but not overnight. The plan is to stop producing new pennies, not to suddenly make existing ones worthless. Pennies will still be legal tender, meaning stores and banks can continue accepting them for now.

What’s changing is how often you’ll actually see or use them.

Can You Still Spend Pennies?

Absolutely. You can continue using pennies to pay for purchases, especially at self-checkout machines or banks. However, as production slows and circulation decreases, many stores may rely more on rounding totals up or down to the nearest nickel when paying with cash.

Digital and card payments won’t be affected at all.

Should You Take Pennies to the Bank?

Yes, and this may be the simplest option. Most banks will accept rolled pennies or run them through coin-counting machines. The value won’t change just because the penny is being phased out.

If you have a large jar, it’s worth checking whether your bank offers free coin counting for account holders.

Are Coin-Counting Machines Worth It?

Coin-counting kiosks are convenient, but they often charge a fee. If you don’t mind losing a small percentage for convenience, they’re an easy way to turn pennies into cash or store credit.

Some machines offer fee-free options if you choose a gift card instead of cash.

Is There Any Reason to Hold Onto Them?

For most people, pennies aren’t going to suddenly become valuable collectibles. While certain rare or historic pennies are worth more, everyday modern pennies are unlikely to increase in value.

That said, there’s no deadline forcing you to get rid of them. If you prefer to wait, that’s fine too.

What About Kids’ Coin Jars?

For families, pennies can still be useful as learning tools. Counting, sorting, and saving coins helps kids understand money, even if pennies eventually disappear from everyday use.

Many parents are choosing to cash in jars together and use the money for something small and fun, turning the change into a teachable moment.