Ramp's Penny Funeral: A Tribute to the End of an Era in Washington, D.C.
A gathering took place in Washington, D.C., where people came together to honor the penny. The event, organized by Ramp, featured a mock funeral at the Lincoln Memorial following the discontinuation of penny production.
Attendees participated in the ceremony, surrounding a casket while speakers delivered eulogies, including actors portraying Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. A portrait made entirely of pennies depicting Abraham Lincoln was also showcased at the event.
Mourners, including actors portraying George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, paid their respects at the funeral. The crowd also included individuals dressed as Santa Claus and Pennywise, the clown from "It." An economist from Ramp presented an "autopsy report" detailing the economic decline of the penny.
The ceremonial striking of the final penny by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last month officially marked the end of penny production. The penny has been a part of U.S. currency since its inception under the Coinage Act of 1792.
For over 230 years, the penny has been in circulation, but rising production costs and changes in consumer behavior have made it impractical to continue producing them. President Donald Trump announced plans to cease penny production in February, citing the high cost of minting pennies.
In conclusion, the mock funeral held in Washington, D.C., served as a tribute to the penny following the end of its production. The event featured eulogies, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln made of pennies, and actors portraying historical figures. With the discontinuation of penny production, the penny's long-standing presence in American currency has come to an end.