Washington (AP) — A mock funeral was held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in front of the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the penny, a coin that was officially discontinued earlier this year. The event was both a humorous and poignant acknowledgment of the end of an era for the iconic one-cent piece.
Attendees dressed in various costumes, including men portraying former President Abraham Lincoln, added a theatrical touch to the event. This lighthearted yet sentimental gathering attracted a diverse group of mourners, all of whom came together to pay their respects to a coin that has been a part of American currency since its inception. The mock funeral featured various activities, such as throwing pennies into a casket, symbolizing the final farewell to the beloved coin.
Even amidst the fun, poignant tributes were evident throughout the event. People placed pennies into a jar, underlining the nostalgia associated with handing over the small denomination. One of the more artistic displays included a representation of Abraham Lincoln made entirely out of pennies, elevating the significance of the event beyond mere jest and emphasizing the cultural impact of the penny.
The ceremony featured not just Lincoln impersonators speaking to the crowd but also included other historical figures, with one individual dressed as George Washington addressing the audience. This choice of characters underscored the storied history that the penny represents, as it carries depictions of important historical figures and events that have shaped the nation.
Among the crowd was a woman wearing a black mourning veil, a nod to traditional funeral attire, which reinforced the somber undertone of the mock event. Additionally, an unexpected yet whimsical attendance included a person dressed as Santa Claus, contributing to an atmosphere of celebration amidst the mourning.
The event saw a variety of activities aimed at engaging attendees. For instance, a notable moment was when someone held up a giant penny, highlighting the coin's visual characteristics and serving as a symbol of what has been lost. Mourners gathered together, sharing laughter and stories about their experiences with the penny, creating a collective memory that transcended the mere function of currency.
This unique commemoration of the penny sparked conversations about the future of currency in a rapidly digitalizing world. As the tradition of carrying and using physical coins dwindles, events like this mock funeral serve to keep the memories alive for future generations while injecting humor into the acknowledgment of change.
Overall, the mock funeral for the penny turned into a delightful celebration of its legacy, while also serving as a reflective occasion for many. The gathering attracted visitors from various backgrounds and locations, all of whom shared a collective sense of nostalgia for a coin that had characterized American life and commerce for over a century. The event became a place for laughter, stories, and sentiment, capturing the essence of what the penny represented within the American cultural landscape.
