KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — For generations, pennies have filled jars, pockets and couch cushions. But now, with the U.S. Mint no longer producing new ones, collectors say people are starting to take a second look.
At the Knoxville Coin & Currency Show on Saturday, dealers said they have already noticed a shift in interest as conversations grow around the future of the one-cent coin.
Tennessee rolls out new, noncitizen driver licenses in 2026
John LeCrone, a coin dealer from Clarksville, said more people are paying attention, and some are even starting new collections.
“People are at a position now that they’re hearing more and more about the pennies, so they’re starting to look a little bit closer. We have seen an increase in the amount of people that are wanting to buy pennies and start collecting pennies,” LeCrone said…