National Lost Penny Day (February 12)
February 12 is National Lost Penny Day, a fun way to appreciate the value of small change and discover forgotten coins.
It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about saving money and see how quickly pennies can add up.
From searching under couch cushions to starting a penny-saving challenge, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this quirky February holiday.
Keep reading to learn more about its history and fun activities to try.
When is the Holiday?
It is celebrated every year on February 12th.
This date was chosen to coincide with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, honoring his legacy as the face of the penny.
It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of small change and encouraging people to gather their loose coins and put them to good use.
Who Invented It?
Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, an eventologist known for creating unique and quirky holidays, came up with the holiday in 1995.
She wanted to highlight how overlooked pennies, often found in couch cushions or sidewalks, could collectively make a meaningful difference.
Her goal was to encourage financial awareness and appreciation for even the smallest denominations of money.
The History of the Holiday
The penny has a long history in the United States, dating back to the 1780s when Benjamin Franklin designed the first version.
It wasn’t until 1909, however, that the iconic image of Abraham Lincoln was added to commemorate the centennial of his birth.
Koopersmith’s inspiration for National Lost Penny Day came from the idea that even small coins have value and can contribute to larger financial goals.
Over the years, the holiday has gained popularity, encouraging people to search for lost pennies and think about how small efforts can lead to significant rewards.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- The U.S. Mint produces billions of pennies each year.
- A penny used to be able to buy a newspaper in the early 1900s.
- The Lincoln penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a historical figure.
- Collecting pennies can lead to rare finds worth much more than their face value.
- Many countries have eliminated their lowest denomination coins, but the U.S. penny remains in circulation.
Activities to Celebrate
- Search for lost pennies around your home and see how much you can collect.
- Start a penny-saving challenge to see how quickly small change adds up.
- Create penny art by making collages or sculptures with collected coins.
- Teach kids about money value with fun penny-counting worksheets.
- Visit a local coin shop to learn more about the history and value of pennies.
Links to Resources
- Coin Identification Worksheets – Learn all of the U.S. coins with preschoolers.
- Fun Counting Pennies Worksheets – Free printable worksheets to teach kids the value of pennies.
- Penny Savings Challenge – A great way to save over $600 in a year with spare change.
- 100 Days of School Penny Art Project – A creative way to use pennies for art.
- The 365 Day Penny Challenge – Save money with an easy daily challenge.
Related Holidays
- National Lucky Penny Day (May 23)
- National Thrift Shop Day (August 17)
- National Cut Your Energy Costs Day (January 10)
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