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National Lost Penny Day

Don't let National Lost Penny Day pass you by - dig through your couch cushions and pockets to find those forgotten coins and put them to good use!

Friday

February 2027

Last updated February 8, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFebruary 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYBusiness

SUBCATEGORYFinancial Literacy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to search through your couch cushions and coin jars because National Lost Penny Day is coming on February 12! This quirky holiday may seem odd at first, but it actually has a heartwarming history. It was started by two friends who wanted to spread kindness and generosity by encouraging people to leave pennies in random places for others to find. So not only is this day about finding lost coins, but also about spreading joy and positivity in unexpected ways. Who knows, you might just brighten someone's day with a simple penny!

TIMELINE

National Lost Penny Day Timeline

First U.S. Penny Made

The first U.S. cent, also famously known as penny, was produced in the United States Mint in 1793.

New Penny Size

The size of the penny was reduced for the first time from a larger, heavier coin to its current size.

Abraham Lincoln's Image Debut

The penny's design changed to feature Abraham Lincoln's image on one side, marking his 100th birthday.

Penny Composition Change

Copper-plated zinc was adopted as new material for pennies due to rising copper prices, replacing the predominantly copper alloy used before.

National Lost Penny Day Inception

National Lost Penny Day was first established by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, an eventologist, to acknowledge the value of the disregarded cent and endorse charitable acts.

Penny Production Cost Issue

A controversy arises as it costs more than one cent to produce a penny, sparking debates over its discontinuation.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Lost Penny Day

Create a scavenger hunt for lost pennies

Hide pennies around your house or neighborhood and create a fun scavenger hunt for your friends and family to participate in on National Lost Penny Day. The person who finds the most pennies wins a prize!

DONATE

Donate to a charity that supports penny drives

There are many charities and organizations that collect pennies to support a variety of causes. Take this day as an opportunity to gather all your spare change and donate it to a cause you care about.

MAKE

Make a DIY penny project

Get crafty and use those lost pennies to create something unique and fun! You can make a penny mosaic, decorate a picture frame, or even create jewelry using pennies. Let your creativity run wild!

HOST

Host a penny-themed party

Invite your friends over for a penny-themed party! Serve snacks and drinks with penny-related names, play games that involve pennies, and have a competition to see who can come up with the most creative use for a penny.

LEARN

Learn about the history of the penny

Take some time to research and learn about the history of the penny. You may be surprised by the interesting facts and stories behind this small but significant coin.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Lost Penny Day is Important

It encourages mindfulness about finances

Losing money, even just a few cents, can serve as a reminder to be more mindful about spending and saving habits. By bringing attention to this, National Lost Penny Day can help promote good financial practices and prevent unnecessary expenses.

It brings awareness to a common issue

National Lost Penny Day is an important reminder that small amounts of money can add up over time. Many people overlook the importance of loose change, but it can make a big difference in someone's financial situation.

It promotes charitable giving

On National Lost Penny Day, people are encouraged to donate their spare change to charities or individuals in need. This not only helps those in need, but it also encourages generosity and empathy within communities.