OK, so this just in -- SB will be auctioning sets of 2025 Omega cents, P, D, and 24K P. 232 sets will be available. No mention of the actual last coin being sold as such. The cancelled dies used to strike them will also be included with lot #232.
People like to complain about monopolies. The U.S. mint is using its monopoly power far more than any of the “robber barons” did in the 19th century. The proper response for collectors is to ignore the whole mess.
Why do we need a cent made of gold? Some of the early cents had a little gold in them according to some EAC people because the mint could not purify the copper correctly. That’s as close as we ever got to a gold cent in history. We don’t need one now.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
So, unlike Canada, while the plan is for the Mint to no longer continue producing pennies for general circulation, they WILL continue to include them in Mint & Proof sets every year going forward? But definitely NO 2026's or beyond for circulation? You'd think they might have waited to go out with a bang & a unique 1-year 250th-U.S.-anniversary coin before pullingug.
I'm hereby giving notice that I will NOT be among the bidders for any of those 5 last 2025-Omega pennies. Have at it, everyone!
The issue with the fingerprints on the coin is really making my head spin. For the US Mint to handle the coin in this fashion while at the same time pretending to care about numismatics. And then to have the coin entombed with those greasy prints all over it is just bonkers.
To play devil's advocate though, if they were wiped off, it would have to have been slabbed UNC Details - Cleaned.
I couldn't own that coin at any price. My OCD would be off the charts every time I took it out to look at it.
@PROMETHIUS88 said:
The issue with the fingerprints on the coin is really making my head spin. For the US Mint to handle the coin in this fashion while at the same time pretending to care about numismatics. And then to have the coin entombed with those greasy prints all over it is just bonkers.
To play devil's advocate though, if they were wiped off, it would have to have been slabbed UNC Details - Cleaned.
I couldn't own that coin at any price. My OCD would be off the charts every time I took it out to look at it.
I wonder if the people at pcgs could dip them and professionally clean them? The people at the mint should have know better.
I wonder if the people at pcgs could dip them and professionally clean them? The people at the mint should have know better.
I would think they could use a "conservation" service to get rid of them. I was really shocked to still see them on the coin in the holder. Maybe they are hoping it will be part of the allure for future generations.
@duck620 said:
you would think these guys holding the coin should know how to hold a coin without getting finger prints all over the last of five 2025 lincoln cents!!!!.
I believe it is posted on the first page of the thread.
Historic Auction Celebrates 232 Years of the Penny with 2025 Three-Coin Sets Featuring 24-Karat Gold Cent
November 18, 2025
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2025 — The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce that Stack’s Bowers Galleries will auction the last circulating one-cent (penny) coins this December through a special sale of 232 three-coin sets. Each historic set includes two circulating pennies, one from each of the Mint’s production facilities in Denver and Philadelphia and, for the first time ever, a 99.99% 24-karat gold uncirculated penny, also minted in Philadelphia.
“The Mint is excited to share this opportunity with the American public,” said Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally. “The penny has withstood 232 years of our Nation's history, and we are proud to offer the chance for the public to celebrate this moment into perpetuity by purchasing one of these special sets. It truly an honor to continue Connecting America through Coins.”
Each set will be accompanied by a serialized Certificate of Authenticity, with the final set, set number 232, including the three original dies used to strike these coins. The coins will bear a unique Omega (Ω) privy mark, signifying each coin is among the last of the circulating pennies ever struck by the Mint. The unique number of sets recognizes the 232 years of penny production. United States Treasurer Brandon Beach and Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally operated the presses to strike the final Philadelphia-minted Omega coins, in recognition of their historic significance.
Live bidding for these three-coin sets will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST (9 a.m. PST). The auction will be hosted on the Stack’s Bowers Galleries website www.StacksBowers.com and broadcast from Griffin Studios in the firm’s Costa Mesa, California headquarters.
@duck620 said:
you would think these guys holding the coin should know how to hold a coin without getting finger prints all over the last of five 2025 lincoln cents!!!!.
I believe it is posted on the first page of the thread.
That's funny!! I caught it, though after a second look!!
Comments
Looks like Stack's Bowers is going to have 232 Sets with the privy with a Gold Lincoln up for auction!
Holy Frijoles! I guess the Mint is tired of Fiji, Pulau, and the Cook Islands cashing in on these things, so they might as well join them!
Looks like the Royal Mint knows how to handle coins. Saw this today.
OK, so this just in -- SB will be auctioning sets of 2025 Omega cents, P, D, and 24K P. 232 sets will be available. No mention of the actual last coin being sold as such. The cancelled dies used to strike them will also be included with lot #232.
Linky
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
People like to complain about monopolies. The U.S. mint is using its monopoly power far more than any of the “robber barons” did in the 19th century. The proper response for collectors is to ignore the whole mess.
Why do we need a cent made of gold? Some of the early cents had a little gold in them according to some EAC people because the mint could not purify the copper correctly. That’s as close as we ever got to a gold cent in history. We don’t need one now.
Would have been nice if they went back to the 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc
So, unlike Canada, while the plan is for the Mint to no longer continue producing pennies for general circulation, they WILL continue to include them in Mint & Proof sets every year going forward? But definitely NO 2026's or beyond for circulation? You'd think they might have waited to go out with a bang & a unique 1-year 250th-U.S.-anniversary coin before pullingug.
I'm hereby giving notice that I will NOT be among the bidders for any of those 5 last 2025-Omega pennies. Have at it, everyone!
The issue with the fingerprints on the coin is really making my head spin. For the US Mint to handle the coin in this fashion while at the same time pretending to care about numismatics. And then to have the coin entombed with those greasy prints all over it is just bonkers.
To play devil's advocate though, if they were wiped off, it would have to have been slabbed UNC Details - Cleaned.
I couldn't own that coin at any price. My OCD would be off the charts every time I took it out to look at it.
I wonder if the people at pcgs could dip them and professionally clean them? The people at the mint should have know better.
It will be interesting to see what the 3 coin sets sell for and what their prices do the next 10 years.
How much gold? 0.15 oz?
I would think they could use a "conservation" service to get rid of them. I was really shocked to still see them on the coin in the holder. Maybe they are hoping it will be part of the allure for future generations.
Where did you see an image of it in the holder?
"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
I believe it is posted on the first page of the thread.
I will let @airplanenut explain.
"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
U.S. Mint PR:
Historic Auction Celebrates 232 Years of the Penny with 2025 Three-Coin Sets Featuring 24-Karat Gold Cent
November 18, 2025
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2025 — The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce that Stack’s Bowers Galleries will auction the last circulating one-cent (penny) coins this December through a special sale of 232 three-coin sets. Each historic set includes two circulating pennies, one from each of the Mint’s production facilities in Denver and Philadelphia and, for the first time ever, a 99.99% 24-karat gold uncirculated penny, also minted in Philadelphia.
“The Mint is excited to share this opportunity with the American public,” said Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally. “The penny has withstood 232 years of our Nation's history, and we are proud to offer the chance for the public to celebrate this moment into perpetuity by purchasing one of these special sets. It truly an honor to continue Connecting America through Coins.”
Each set will be accompanied by a serialized Certificate of Authenticity, with the final set, set number 232, including the three original dies used to strike these coins. The coins will bear a unique Omega (Ω) privy mark, signifying each coin is among the last of the circulating pennies ever struck by the Mint. The unique number of sets recognizes the 232 years of penny production. United States Treasurer Brandon Beach and Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally operated the presses to strike the final Philadelphia-minted Omega coins, in recognition of their historic significance.
Live bidding for these three-coin sets will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST (9 a.m. PST). The auction will be hosted on the Stack’s Bowers Galleries website www.StacksBowers.com and broadcast from Griffin Studios in the firm’s Costa Mesa, California headquarters.
Mint Link
That's funny!! I caught it, though after a second look!!
I’d be all over these if I hadn’t just blown all of my money on something similar!
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
That and the one with the pipe.
Bracing for an onslaught of people being ripped off buying counterstamped souvenir last pennies.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution