Even the Mint calls them "pennies".

[Robert]

They're CENTS! Someone should correct them. They all have the word "CENT" on them, don't they?



Go get 'em Chuck!

http://www.usmint.gov/faqs/index.cfm?action=FAQSearchResult

FAQ #85

[Bob P]

Seems as though we will never break the habit of calling them 'pennies'. The majority of our own cent wrappers call them pennies. Even after our independence from England over 225 years ago, some things just stick. No harm no foul I say. I think everyone gets the idea about what they are.
Besides, do you think the US government has enough money to hire 30 thousand 'cent' police to enforce the ban on calling them pennies?

Bob P