In the olden days, pennies could actually buy stuff, no more. Now, if you want to spend pennies, you’re going to have to put in some effort.
Because the United States doesn’t include sales tax in prices – unlike more civilized countries – and you can’t multiply by 8.875% in your head, you can’t get your change ready before you reach the register like a good Samaritan would.
Pennies add two seconds to each cash transaction on average which is less than the value of your time.
Vending machines won’t take pennies, neither laundry machines or toll booths or parking meters or anything else – because pennies aren’t worth the time and effort to count, store and transport them.