For many of us, pennies have been a small part of our lives for as long as we can remember. You may have found them in your pocket, at the bottom of your bag, or even saved up jars full of them over the years. But now, many countries are slowly phasing out these coins because they cost more to make than they’re worth. So, what happens to all those little coins sitting around at home?
If you’re wondering what you should do with your pennies before they truly become history, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are many simple and fun ways to make use of them. Whether you want to save them, reuse them, or even turn them into something new, this article will walk you through all your choices in plain and clear language. Let’s take a look at how you can give your old pennies a new purpose.
Why Are Pennies Going Away
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Many people do not realize that making a penny actually costs more than one cent. The materials, labor, and production cost add up. That’s one reason governments are thinking about removing pennies from daily use. In fact, some countries like Canada have already stopped making them.
Another reason is that pennies don’t help much in buying things anymore. Most prices are rounded up or down, and digital payments are now replacing cash. With less use and rising costs, the penny just doesn’t make a lot of sense anymore.
Don’t Trash Them Just Yet
Before you think about throwing your pennies away, wait. Pennies might be small, but they still have value. Even if you have a big jar of them, they can add up to a decent amount of money. So, the first step is to gather them in one place.
Try emptying your drawers, purses, old bags, and coin jars. You’ll be surprised how many you might find. Once you’ve collected them all, you’re ready to decide what you want to do with your pile of pennies.
Take Them to the Bank or Coin Machine
The easiest thing you can do is simply take your pennies to the bank. Some banks have coin-counting machines that turn your loose change into paper money or deposit it into your account.
If your bank doesn’t offer this service, you can look for coin-counting machines at supermarkets or shopping centers. Some machines may take a small fee, while others don’t charge at all. This method is fast and will give you cash in exchange for your coins.
Use Pennies for Exact Change
Still using cash for buying small items like snacks or groceries? You can use your pennies to give exact change. Carry a small pouch or keep a few pennies in your wallet just for this purpose. It’s a great way to get rid of them naturally over time.
Some stores may not accept pennies anymore, so always check before handing them over. But in many cases, they’re still allowed for small payments.
Turn Them Into DIY Projects
If you enjoy crafts, there are creative ways to reuse old pennies at home. People have used them to decorate picture frames, make kitchen countertops, or create wall art.
One popular idea is making a penny floor. It looks attractive and turns your unused coins into something useful. You can also make jewelry, keychains, or fun home décor items like clocks and trays using pennies.
Just search online for “DIY projects with pennies” and you’ll find lots of ideas to get inspired.
Save Your Pennies for Collection
Some old pennies can be rare and valuable. Check the year your pennies were made. Pennies with special markings or made in certain years can be of interest to coin collectors.
You can search online or talk to a coin expert to find out more about this. If you have rare coins, they can be worth much more than one cent. Even if they are not rare now, they might gain value over time, so saving them is not a bad idea.
Teach Kids About Money
Pennies are a great way to teach young children about saving and counting money. Use them to create money games at home. It’s a fun and low-cost way to introduce kids to the basics of spending, saving, and making change.
You can even give your kids their own coin jar where they can try saving pennies and watch the money grow. It’s a great first lesson in money handling.
Donate Your Pennies
Many charities accept coins, even pennies. You can donate your spare change to local fundraising events, nonprofit organizations, animal shelters, or school drives.
Some shops even keep donation boxes near counters. Empty your extra pennies there and help someone in need—every little contribution counts.
Recycle Pennies in Art or Gardening
If you can’t turn them into art or sell them, you can reuse pennies in other fun ways. Some people use them in the garden to decorate flower pots or make borders for pathways. Others use pennies in school science projects.
Pennies made after 1982 contain zinc, which can change color in fun ways when mixed with other materials. This makes them interesting for craft or school experiments.
Final Words
So, even though pennies may be going away, they don’t have to be useless. Whether you choose to cash them in, create something beautiful, or use them for learning, there’s still a lot of value in these little coins. Instead of forgetting them in drawers, try one of the tips above and give your pennies new purpose.
