The penny may not survive long — but collectors fight to keep it alive

The humble penny, once a pocket staple, has long since lost its shine in American commerce, but it retains devoted fans who see value beyond its monetary worth. 

In North Carolina's Copper Penny Grille, owner Shelly Gref has transformed thousands of pennies into bar tops and artwork, giving Lincoln's likeness new purpose.

"It grew into a little bit of an obsession with me. And then everybody just started donating pennies," Gref said. "People just come by and they say, I want to be a part of something."