Saying goodbye to the penny

The last pennies were minted yesterday in Philadelphia.  I understand the rationale.  I know about the cost of making them vs. the value of the coin.  Nonetheless, I feel sad.  All those sayings:  “A penny saved is a penny earned,” “A penny for your thoughts,”  “Find a penny, pick it up....”  

Pennies are part of our culture.  “Every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven.”  There was penny candy, penny loafers, “penny dreadfuls.”  Things cost a pretty penny, and people were penny pinchers.

I know, I know.  I’m old.  I dislike change.  Unless it is in pennies.