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The death of the penny is leaving businesses stuck in the middle

As the circulation of the penny falls, businesses are rounding bills or asking customers without exact change to use credit cards.

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The final pennies were struck at a U.S. Mint facility in Philadelphia.
The final pennies were struck at a U.S. Mint facility in Philadelphia.
Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images

On Nov. 12, the U.S. Mint pressed its final penny. Shortages are affecting businesses faster than expected, writes Heather Haddon, a restaurant reporter at the Wall Street Journal. She spoke with “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal about how businesses and consumers are trying to adapt.

“A penny might not sound like much, but for some folks who are literally watching their pennies, it does matter,” Haddon said.

Click the audio player above to hear their conversation.

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