An Explanation Why Pennies Still Exist in the US

Vox explains why pennies still exist in the United States, even though they are basically worthless.

Pennies may hold sentimental value to Americans, but they are basically useless. It is not uncommon for people to leave them in a loose-change container when receiving money after a transaction. Americans for Common Cents, a pro penny group in Washington DC, is fighting to keep the penny in circulation. They are backed by Jarden Zinc Products, a company that sells the zinc-based coin blanks to the US Mint.