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June 7, 2025My Deep Dive into Old Paramount Graded Slabs: Accuracy, History, and Collector Tips
June 7, 2025
I’ve been following the U.S. Mint’s decision to stop ordering penny blanks, and it’s really got me thinking about what this means for folks like us who love coins. With production winding down after the current batch runs out—probably through 2026—I’ve been considering how this shift might affect our collecting habits and the market.
The End of an Era
From what I’ve learned, the Treasury is pulling the plug mainly because it costs them four cents to make each penny these days, thanks to rising zinc and copper prices. Nickels aren’t much better off at eleven cents apiece. This doesn’t mean pennies will disappear tomorrow, but it’s certainly the beginning of the end for finding them in your pocket change.
Market Predictions and Collector Advice
Based on what I’ve seen over the years, final-year coins like the 2025-P might get a short-term price bump as collectors scramble, but I wouldn’t bet on them becoming truly rare. There are just too many out there—billions!—so they’ll probably settle at a modest premium long-term. Right now feels like the right moment to complete your cent collections. I’m personally focusing on tough dates like the 1877 Indian Head or 1909-S VDB Lincoln, hunting for solid mid-grade examples that won’t break the bank. You don’t always need top-tier coins for a meaningful collection.
- Snag those scarce dates now before everyone starts looking
- Prices might spike initially but should cool off—don’t get caught up in the frenzy
- Keep checking your change! I found three 2025-P cents last week alone
Tax and Practical Implications
About that rounding debate: I wouldn’t sweat it. The math evens out over multiple transactions—we’re talking pennies here. As for composition changes? I doubt we’ll see them soon. Switching to something like zinc would bring back the corrosion issues we saw with “Zincolns,” not to mention vending machines would go haywire. Truth is, the government doesn’t seem motivated to solve these headaches.
Future Opportunities for Collectors
My hunch? The Mint will keep making Non-Circulating Legal Tender cents for proof sets, which could actually make these more interesting to collectors. If you enjoy proofs like I do, this might be your cue to focus there. Watch for announcements about special editions using leftover blanks—these could become nice additions without commanding crazy premiums.
All things considered, this transition feels like a natural moment to refine our collections. I’ll be watching closely as things develop and hope you find some treasures along the way—happy hunting!
