Minting pennies is a waste of money and natural resources.
The cost of minting a single penny around double its value. The US Mint produced almost 5 billion pennies in 2013 resulting in an initial monetary loss of around $40-$50,000,000 and a waste of valuable copper and zinc resources.
America could easily adopt a plan similar to Canada's (which would round to the nearest 5-cent increment for cash payments after final purchase price is determined; no change for anyone paying via check or card) and save those millions each year.
Canada has taken this step and is suffering no ill effects.
Are we worse than Canada?
We owe it to all future generations of Americans to make this responsible, heroic decision. ELIMINATE THE PENNY!