National Lost Penny Day is an annually recurring event observed on February 12. Mostly pennies are useless metal currency coins that neither fit in your wallet nor your purse. Often they will slip out of your pocket, wallet, or purse, and it’s quite unlikely you will find them again. This day is dedicated to making an effort out of your busy routine to find the lost penny that may have slipped under the sofa or the car seat. Finding your lost penny is quite a good sign, and for this reason, it has its dedicated day.
History of National Lost Penny Day
National Lost Penny Day has been connected with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America. Celebrated every February 12, the day has its association with Abraham Lincoln because it is his picture that has been on the penny since 1909.
The first-ever U.S. penny was designed by Benjamin Franklin in the 1780s, and since then, billions of pennies have been minted. The history of the word penny, on the other hand, is unclear. Historians have come up with different explanations for the name ‘penny.’ Some say it was derived from the word ‘pawn,’ which means pledge or debt. Some say it was derived from the West Germanic word for frying pan because it has the shape of a frying pan. So the origin of the word ‘penny’ is unclear.
Starting in 1995, National Lost Penny Day was coined by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, an eventologist. Adrienne Sioux, while coining the day, explained that petty cash can make a significant difference. So, simply searching for lost pennies can help you find a reasonable amount of money which may help you buy something important or fun for that day.
Looking for lost pennies can help you find other lost items that went missing ages ago. Finding pennies is also considered a good luck charm. The rediscovery of those items can be a good throwback to the past, and one can relive the memories through this activity. Possessing the same idea in mind, Adrienne started this day, and since then, it has been celebrated every year as a fun day to find old pennies in your homes, cars, etc.
National Lost Penny Day timeline
The first U.S. penny is introduced and designed by Benjamin Franklin.
The pennies start coming in, adorned with Lincoln’s picture replacing the old ones.
The first National Lost Penny Day is celebrated in 1995.
$55 million is spent to make pennies.
National Lost Penny Day FAQs
What are pennies made of?
Pennies are made of copper-plated zinc. The composition is 90% zinc and 10% copper.
What denominations of coins are there?
There are coins of five denominations; a penny, a nickel, a dime, a quarter, and a one-dollar golden coin.
How much does it cost to mint a penny?
In 2014, the average cost of making a penny was 1.67 cents. In 2013, the U.S. faced a loss of $55 million while minting the pennies.
How to Observe National Lost Penny Day
Look in the deepest corners
Make an effort to go for a deep search in the sofa, jackets, and cars. You never know the treasure you may find
Make it a challenge
Challenge someone in your home and begin the search for pennies. The one with the most pennies is the obvious winner.
Spend the treasure on leisure
If you manage to find a good enough amount to buy a cup of coffee and a sandwich, do so and give it to a homeless man. It could make his day.
5 Important Facts About Pennies
1.67 cents for a penny
It cost 1.67 cents in 2014 to make a penny.
Average penny last 25 years
An average penny made from copper or bronze lasts for 25 years.
11 different designs
Since 1787, the designs of the penny have changed 11 times.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the first historical figure to be on a U.S. coin.
80% chance of getting tails
The penny is biased such that by spinning it, the chances of it landing on tails is 80%
Why National Lost Penny Day is Important
It increases your wealth
Searching for a lost penny and finding one or as many as possible is always an increment to your wealth. Your wealth increases per the number of pennies you find. This is a huge chance to become a rich man.
There is always a chance to be amazed
Often while looking for something, whether we find the desired thing or not, we find something else. While searching for a penny in the nooks and crannies of your home, you may end up finding something long-lost.
It’s a sign of good luck
Finding a lost penny is a sign of good luck, and who does not wish to be lucky? Share your luck with a homeless person; make his or her day a lucky one too.
National Lost Penny Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 12 | Saturday |
| 2029 | February 12 | Monday |
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