The humble penny may have long been part of everyday transactions, but as of late 2025, that has changed. The United States Mint has officially struck its final batch of pennies, ending more than two centuries of continual production. While existing pennies remain legal tender, supplies are dwindling, and many retailers and banks are already adjusting their cash-handling policies accordingly.
For local businesses like farmers markets or on-farm markets— where cash is common, and customers often pay with coins — now is the time to think ahead. Without preparation, markets may face awkward checkout moments, change shortages, or even lost sales.
What’s Changing and What’s Not
No more new pennies. The U.S. government stopped minting pennies in 2025. As coins already in circulation are used or hoarded, the supply will continue to shrink.
Pennies are still legal tender — for now. You can technically accept them, and customers can still use them.
Rounding is already happening. Many farm market vendors are already rounding cash totals to the nearest five cents when pennies run out.
Digital and card payments unaffected. Transactions via debit/credit card or other electronic methods remain exact to the cent.
What Markets Should Do to Get Ahead
Here are actionable steps farmers market organizers/vendors and on-farm markets can take to manage the shift smoothly:
Review and update your cash-handling policy.
Decide whether you will still accept pennies (as long as stock remains) or opt out entirely. If opting out, plan for how you’ll communicate this to customers (signage, vendor instructions, etc.).Decide on a rounding strategy — and be consistent.
If you no longer accept pennies, choose whether to round cash transactions up, down, or to the nearest nickel. Consistency helps avoid confusion or perceived unfairness.Communicate clearly with customers.
Use signs at entry/checkout and consider a brief explanation on your website or social media. Many shoppers may not realize pennies are being phased out.Update pricing if necessary.
To minimize rounding confusion, you might adjust prices to amounts that don’t rely on pennies (e.g., avoid $1.99 — instead price things at $1.95 or $2.00).
What It Means for Customers and How to Navigate Challenges
If your market stops accepting pennies or begins rounding, some customers may need to adjust their payment habits, such as using exact change with other coins or relying more on card or digital payments. Because rounding can shift totals slightly, some transactions may end up a few cents higher or lower.
These changes can also create challenges. Some shoppers may assume pennies are still accepted, so clear communication—through signage, vendor guidance, and consistent messaging—can prevent confusion or complaints. Inconsistency between vendors can also frustrate customers, which is why establishing a unified market-wide policy is helpful. Even customers who feel inconvenienced at first may respond positively when the transition is explained clearly and thoughtfully.
The end of the penny doesn’t have to mean confusion at the checkout counter. By planning ahead, training staff, and communicating clearly with customers, businesses can turn rounding changes into a smooth, transparent part of everyday transactions.
As we move into a penny-free marketplace, remember that adaptability is key. Whether you’re posting signage, or adjusting pricing strategies, small steps taken now will make a big difference later. Change is already here and businesses that embrace it will continue making cents even without pennies. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us at (859) 550-3972 or kcard@kcard.info.