The coin that costs triple what it's worth

Few economic paradoxes are this neat: in 2024, producing one US cent cost about 3.7 cents in metal, minting and distribution. Every new coin was born at a loss. Multiplied by billions of units a year, the United States lost tens of millions simply by manufacturing its smallest coin.

In 2025, the US Treasury announced the end: it would stop producing pennies after more than two centuries. Other countries had already taken the leap — Canada retired its penny in 2013 and rounds cash payments to the nearest five cents.

Something similar happens in the euro zone with one- and two-cent coins, which also cost more than their face value; several countries already round their prices.

That's inflation for you: the day arrives when small money can't even pay for itself.