WASHINGTON — The United States could move closer to formally ending production of the penny while also considering changes to the nickel under legislation approved by the U.S. Senate. Loading advertisement…Existing pennies would remain legal tender and could continue to be used for purchases. The legislation would also address cash transactions when pennies are not available. Businesses would be permitted to round the final cash purchase amount to the nearest five cents. The rounding provisions would apply to cash transactions and are intended to establish a more consistent system as the supply of pennies declines.