Giant Eagle Event Sees 100 Million Pennies Exchanged in One Day
On November 1, 2025, Giant Eagle celebrated an extraordinary milestone during its “Penny Exchange Day,” exchanging over 100 million pennies across 200 participating stores. This unique event enabled customers to convert their pennies into Giant Eagle gift cards valued at twice the amount of the coins.
Penny Exchange Day Highlights
During the event, Giant Eagle distributed more than $2 million in gift cards. The initiative was organized to address the decreasing availability of pennies, as the U.S. Treasury continues to phase out their production. Banks across the nation are also rationing the 1-cent coins, making it challenging for many businesses to provide exact change.
Event Details
- Date: November 1, 2025
- Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Minimum Exchange per Transaction: 50 cents
- Maximum Exchange per Transaction: $100
Giant Eagle’s President and CEO, Bill Artman, expressed his amazement at the event’s success, stating, “Today, our customers and Team Members came together to do something special.” Artman emphasized that the results would help ensure accurate change for months ahead.
The Historical Context of the Penny
The penny is an integral part of U.S. currency history, with production established by Congress in 1792. As noted in the U.S. Mint’s 2024 annual report, it costs approximately 3.7 cents to manufacture and distribute a single penny. This has prompted the Treasury to project annual savings of around $56 million by reducing penny production.
Giant Eagle’s Commitment
With a strong presence across five states—Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana—Giant Eagle operates a total of 400 stores. The company is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and adapting to the changing landscape of the currency supply.
Through events like Penny Exchange Day, Giant Eagle reinforces its commitment to its patrons and the community, ensuring that the spirit of cooperation and resourcefulness thrives amidst challenges.
