1 penny costs 1.6 cents apiece in production. US Government efforts to reduce its cost have not tangibly succeeded. It appears to be all about switching zink (97,5% of the penny) to a cheaper metal but this decision will have no effect. “No alternative metal would lower the penny cost [to less than one cent],” says Tom Jurkowsky, a US Mint spokesman.

President Obama raised the idea of phasing out the penny in his March 2015 budget proposal. However, the Congress didn't seem very enthusiastic enough to tackle this issue in the nearest future.

Curiously, penny recomposition or withdrawan from circulation would have far-reaching consequences for the economy beyond any cost savings for the Mint. For instance, penny withdrawal would require an overhaul in products/services prices like train tickets and municipal parking fees.

All in all, the penny issue remains open and crucial for the future of the US curency.