The New 2026 Penny Has a Feature No Penny in History Has Ever Had-Here's How To Get One
The U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies in 2025. And while that was upsetting to fans of the copper coin and collectors alike, it seems like it hasn't made too much of a difference for most shoppers, since plenty of one-cent pieces remained in circulation. However, as America's 250th birthday approaches, the U.S. Mint has made a surprising announcement: It's bringing the penny back.
While it won't exactly be like it was before-for example, you may not be given the 250th anniversary coin as change while you're shopping-it still offers people an exciting opportunity to get their hands on a brand new 2026 penny. And according to one coin expert, these pennies are going to have something extra special going for them that no other penny in history has, which could potentially make them worth more than just the single cent we're used to using them for.
Why the Mint Is Giving America's Coins a Makeover
Organizations and agencies throughout the country are trying to do something special for America's 250th, and the U.S. Mint is no exception, according to Kiplinger. The agency tasked with minting our country's currency has announced it will give America's coins a facelift, including the penny.
According to the publication, the penny will also feature a dual-date design, with the years 1776 and 2026. "The shield reverse, which has been used continuously since 2010, will remain," according to Ted Ancher, Director of Numismatics at American Precious Metals Exchange, Inc.
The U.S. Mint will also be producing commemorative upgrades for the following coins:
- The half-dollar, which will feature a close-up of the Statue of Liberty
- The quarter, which will have five rotating designs that include things like the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and more
- The dime, which will show Lady Liberty on one side
- The nickel, which will feature a dual-date design
So, How Do You Actually Get One?
Getting your hands on these newly minted pennies will be a top priority for coin collectors and penny enthusiasts, but Ancher says it won't be as easy as sifting through your change anytime you get back from the store.
"The new 2026 Cents can be found as collector's items in Mint Sets and Proof Sets, and may be included in other special U.S. Mint releases," he explains, noting that they will not be found in general circulation.
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And Here's the Big Question: What Will They Be Worth?
Now, for the big question on everyone's minds...just how much will these pennies be worth? According to Ancher, that part still remains a mystery. "Since new 2026 dual-dated Cents can only be found in official U.S. Mint releases going forward, a market for these particular coins will eventually emerge," he explains. "It is very tough to speculate on their value as we are currently in the year in which they are being minted."
Though Ancher says that if history has taught us anything, they will likely become a novelty piece, similar to all of the bicentennial coinage of 1976. "This is the only dual-dated Cent that the U.S. Mint has ever minted."
In short, if you're lucky enough to get your hands on one of these commemorative pennies, it may be worth holding onto. While it may never be worth more than the 97.5 per cent zinc and 2.5 per cent copper coating that Ancher says they'll be minted with, it's clear they will hold some sentimental value due to the dual-dating.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 10:49 AM.