Key Takeaways
- In March 2025 the U.S. Mint struck 670.42 million circulating coins, the second‐highest monthly total of the past year.
- Cents remain the largest share (48.9%), even though each penny costs 3.69 cents to produce.
- First-quarter 2025 output reached 1.885 billion coins—an 8.8% increase over Q1 2024.
- Native American $1 and Kennedy half dollars continue in collector rolls, with new releases planned.
- Bullion investors should monitor American Silver Eagle and Gold Eagle releases, mintages, and the silver-to-gold price ratio.
March 2025 Circulating Coin Production
The U.S. Mint produced 670.42 million coins for general circulation in March 2025, up 15.3% from February and more than double the March 2024 output (332.7 million). Despite a 19-month stretch below 1 billion coins per month, the Mint’s March total ranks 2nd among the past 12 months.
Facility Breakdown
| Denomination | Denver | Philadelphia | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Cents | 168 M | 160 M | 328 M |
| Jefferson Nickels | 40.32 M | 34.60 M | 74.92 M |
| Roosevelt Dimes | 73.50 M | 24.00 M | 97.50 M |
| Quarters | 86.20 M | 80.00 M | 166.20 M |
| Kennedy Half-Dollars | 0 | 2.40 M | 2.40 M |
| Native American $1 | 0.70 M | 0.70 M | 1.40 M |
| Total | 368.72 M | 301.70 M | 670.42 M |
First Quarter 2025: A Stronger Start
Through March 31, the Mint struck 1.88559 billion coins—8.8% more than the 1.73354 billion coins in Q1 2024 (the slowest first quarter since 2010). Denomination totals for Q1 2025 were:
- Cents: 923.4 M
- Nickels: 231.16 M
- Dimes: 338.5 M
- Quarters: 374.25 M
- Half-Dollars: 13.8 M
- Native American $1: 4.48 M
The Fate of the Penny
Despite costing 3.69 cents each to produce and distribute, pennies remain nearly half of monthly circulating mintage. Debate over eliminating the cent continues—President Trump ordered an end to penny production in early 2025—but collectors still rely on bank-wrapped rolls for date and mintmark hunting.
American Women Quarters & Modern Denominations
March production included the 16th and 17th issues of the American Women Quarters™ series:
- Ida B. Wells: 99.5 M (D) + 106.35 M (P) = 205.85 M
- Juliette Gordon Low: 86.2 M (D) + 82.2 M (P) = 168.4 M
Rolls and bags of Ida B. Wells quarters are selling now; Low quarters arrived in late March. Dr. Vera Rubin quarters debut this summer.
Kennedy Halves & Native American Dollars
Kennedy half-dollars are no longer ordered by the Federal Reserve but remain popular in rolls. As of March, 2025 half-dollar striking totaled 13.8 M (5.6 M D + 8.2 M P). Native American dollars have reached 4.48 M (1.82 M D + 2.66 M P). Collectors can purchase rolls and bags via the U.S. Mint website.
Bullion Investor Insights
While circulating-quality coins serve commerce, bullion investors focus on American Silver Eagles (ASE) and Gold Eagles:
- ASE Releases: The Mint recently launched 2025 proof ASEs with military privy marks (Army, Navy, Marine Corps). Track product mintage and premium over spot for investment planning.
- Gold Eagles: The 2025-W $50 Uncirculated Gold Eagle launched June 5. Compare Mint pricing to dealer secondary market for cost-efficient acquisition.
- Silver-to-Gold Ratio: At press time, gold trades near $2,400/oz and silver near $27/oz, yielding a ratio of ~89:1. Historical mean is ~65:1–75:1. A high ratio may signal a buying opportunity in silver.
Monitor real-time spot prices and ASE mintage announcements to time purchases and manage portfolio exposure.
Conclusion
March 2025’s uptick in coin production brings renewed supply across denominations, from pennies to quarters. Collectors should watch mintages, upcoming releases, and product availability (rolls, bags, boxes). Bullion investors can capitalize on ASE and Gold Eagle launches, price ratios, and Mint pricing. Staying informed on U.S. Mint data helps both hobbyists and investors make strategic decisions.