Hundreds of people gathered this weekend to bid farewell to the penny at the Lincoln Memorial. The small but iconic piece of U.S. history has been discontinued after more than two centuries in circulation.
Ramp, an expense management platform, organized the event, which was complete with a white casket, dramatic readings, and performers dressed in Victorian attire, The Washington Post reported.
Impersonators of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd, and presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson made appearances.
One economist delivered an “autopsy report” on the penny’s economic life, explaining how it ultimately cost more to produce than it was worth — a key reason behind the U.S. Mint’s decision to halt production.
People approached the open casket to “pay their respects,” placing pennies inside, while a guest book and penny-press station offered keepsakes and memories, according to The Washington Post.
Trending
- Tens of Millions of Dollars Later, NYC Will Have Cuba-Style Groceries
- Best political cartoons: These aren’t snake eyes…
- INSIDER: No-see Nancy thinks people are stupid
- Appeals Court Sidesteps Ruling on Legality of Trump’s Alien Enemies Act Invocation
- WATCH: Migrant Woman Who has Resided in America Since 1989 and Refused to Learn English Gives Angry Speech in Spanish Demanding Amnesty, Better American Treatment of Migrants
- Beloved Fox Journalist Says Goodbye to Fans after Ten Years at the Network
- High-Profile Conservative Sports Broadcaster Scores Primary Victory in High-Stakes Blue State Senate Race, Could Use Her Prominence and Popularity to Flip a Blue Seat Red
- WATCH: Karoline Leavitt Delivers Epic Smackdown Toasting Snapping, Angry Journalist