In this reflective edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry mark the bittersweet end of an era as the U.S. Mint has ceased producing circulating Lincoln cents after over 232 years, with the final 2025 pennies bearing a unique Omega (Ω) privy mark—symbolizing the "end" of a legacy that began in 1793—limited to just 232 three-coin sets (including one regular Philadelphia, one Denver, and one 24-karat gold version) that were auctioned by Stack's Bowers Galleries in December 2025, fetching an astonishing total of over $16.76 million, with the very last set (#232) realizing a record $800,000 for the most valuable modern U.S. numismatic item. They discuss how this ultra-low-mintage modern rarity draws global attention and could spark new interest in collecting, though it likely won't disrupt the established Lincoln cent market, while noting that billions of ordinary pennies remain in circulation (and banks will accept them for the foreseeable future) amid a broader shift toward electronic payments where few under 35 carry cash. The conversation explores why bullion coins like Gold Eagles carry face values (e.g., $50) despite trading at melt value far higher—to qualify as official coins rather than mere rounds—highlighting practical aspects of precious metals ownership versus spending them in commerce. They delve into iconic early U.S. rarities from the 1790s, including the ultra-rare 1794 Flowing Hair dollar (one sold for $12 million in 2013) and the 1793 Chain cent (examples topping $2 million), plus the "King of American Coins," the 1804 silver dollar (recently near $8 million), emphasizing their extreme scarcity and historical significance as artistic symbols of a young nation's aspirations. Wrapping up with real-world shop stories of high-value referral transactions (including six-figure bullion deals), the episode celebrates the enduring thrill of numismatics—connecting past and present—while reminding listeners of the risks in buying/selling precious metals and coins, with opinions not constituting investment advice. Visit Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton for expert appraisals or join next week's show!