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Get ready to celebrate National One Cent Day on April 1 by digging out those loose pennies from your pockets and piggy banks! This day may seem silly, but it actually has a fascinating history. It was first established in 1787, when the United States introduced the "Fugio" cent as its first official currency. Since then, the penny has had many different designs and uses, making it an integral part of American culture. So let's take a moment to appreciate the little coin that often gets overlooked – after all, even one cent can make a difference!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1787</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of the "Fugio" Cent</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States introduced its first official currency, the "Fugio" cent.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1793</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First U.S. Copper Penny </div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Mint produced the first copper penny known as the “Chain cent” under the Coinage Act of 1792.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1856</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Flying Eagle" Penny </div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States introduced the "Flying Eagle" cent, featuring a new design and size.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1909</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the 'timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lincoln Cent Introduction</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Lincoln cent was issued to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Copper to Zinc Transition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Owing to rising metal prices, the U.S. Mint changed the penny's composition from primarily copper to primarily zinc.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>200th Birthday Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>On Lincoln's 200th birthday, the U.S. Mint released four special designs depicting different stages of his life.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a one cent art piece</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up some old pennies and use them to create a unique and creative art piece. This is a fun way to celebrate National One Cent Day and showcase your artistic skills.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate one cent for every dollar spent</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take this day as an opportunity to give back by donating one cent for every dollar you spend. Choose a charity or cause that is important to you and make a small but meaningful contribution.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a penny-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a penny-themed party! From decorations to food, challenge yourself to incorporate the penny into every aspect of the party. You can even have a penny scavenger hunt or penny-related games.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a penny collection</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use National One Cent Day as an opportunity to start a penny collection. You can collect pennies from different years, countries, or even ones with unique designs. This can be a fun and educational hobby.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a one cent budget challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself and your friends to live on a one cent budget for the day. See how creative you can get with your meals, activities, and expenses. This will not only be a fun way to celebrate National One Cent Day but also a great way to test your budgeting skills.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's part of US history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National One Cent Day commemorates the day in 1787 when America's first one-cent coins were struck by the United States Mint. These pennies feature a profiled bust of Miss Liberty, and are an important symbol of our nation's beginnings.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates small but meaningful contributions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The one-cent coin may seem insignificant when compared to higher denominations, but it represents the idea that even the smallest contributions can add up to make a big impact. This holiday encourages us to appreciate the value of every penny and recognize its role in our society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes financial literacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National One Cent Day also serves as a reminder to pay attention to our money and be conscious of how we spend it. It encourages us to reflect on our spending habits and think about ways we can save money, no matter how small the amount. Plus, it's a great opportunity for parents to teach their children about the value of money and how to manage it responsibly.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Penny Costs More Than One Cent to Make</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's a surprising fact that it actually costs more than one cent to produce a penny. As of 2020, it was estimated to cost approximately 1.99 cents to manufacture each one-cent coin.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Penny Production Nearly Stopped in 1974</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to an increase in the price of copper, the U.S. mint almost ceased production of pennies in 1974. The crisis was averted when the price of copper dropped later that year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pennies Were Made of Steel in 1943</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to copper being crucial for wartime materials during World War II, pennies were made of steel in 1943. These steel cents are now considered valuable collector’s items.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Current Penny Design is Called the Union Shield</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since 2010, the tails side of the penny features a shield with 13 vertical stripes and a horizontal bar, known as the Union Shield, symbolizing the federal government's commitment to preserve the Union.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There Are Countries Where Pennies are No Longer in Circulation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some countries, like Canada, have discontinued their equivalent of the penny due to the cost of production. While pennies are being phased out in some places, they’re still an important part of the U.S. currency.</p></div></div>
National One Cent Day is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024 National One Cent Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
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