Coins

The U.S. penny, a symbol of American commerce since 1793, is disappearing amid unprecedented turmoil. The Treasury’s decision earlier this year to halt penny production, driven by cost-saving measures has left retailers, consumers, and policymakers scrambling.

Global banknote demand is rebounding post-pandemic, returning to pre-2020 trends. The introduction of new high-denomination notes has slowed, yet cash remains vital as a store of value. Cash infrastructure must adapt to declining transactional use and rising precautionary demand.

From the US phasing out the penny to Germany’s push for cash payment rounding, the relationship between coins and banknotes is transforming—but coins are far from obsolete. While banknotes grow as a store of value, coins continue to play a vital role in everyday transactions, supported by smart denominational strategies and durable innovations. Explore how central banks are adapting currency structures, balancing tradition with efficiency, and ensuring coins remain essential in the diverse ecosystem of cash.

A penny for your thoughts? The humble penny is more than just a coin—it's a symbol of American history and thrift. As debates about its future continue, let's explore why every penny counts.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused disruptions in coin circulation in the United States. The U.S. Mint has increased its production since then, but the coinage denomination might need to change.

Queen Elizabeth II’s passing marked the beginning of a complex redesign and updating of banknotes and coins in the United Kingdom and many countries worldwide.

This year, the U.S. Mint released the first pieces of U.S. currency to display a Black woman (Maya Angelou) and an Asian American icon (Anna May Wong).

CashEssentials is honoured to announce that Monnaie de Paris (the French Mint) has joined the think tank.

The equivalent of over 2 billion Canadian dollars are currently held in foreign currency in Canadian homes and businesses. This money, if donated – can help to make a tremendously positive and impactful difference in the community.

The British public is sitting on piles of loose change worth an estimated £50 million. Along with the Charities Aid Foundation, UK Finance is asking people to consider donating some of this spare change to charity.

Cash in circulation increased in the euro area during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. An increase in the precautionary demand for cash more than compensated the decline in its transactional demand. Fears over the role of cash in Covid-19 transmission weighed down on its use in payments.

The Global Cash Community has launched the HUMANIA initiative to support the people in society who have been most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Donating foreign currency is one way to help. Organizations, big and small can set up their own fundraising efforts to support human and economic recovery.