The penny had its roots in the early Republic: Congress first authorized copper one-cent pieces under the 1792 Coinage Act, and production at the Mint began shortly after.

Since 1909, the coin has borne the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse.

"God bless America, and we're going to save the taxpayers $56 million," said U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach moments before pressing the button to mint the nation's final penny per AP.