Why do we still have pennies?

Why are we making new pennies, and why do the new designs exclude the numeral 1?

First of all I don't understand why we're still making pennies, for that matter I don't understand why we aren't a cashless society by now.

But since the United States Mint has decided to produce new pennies, I'd like to know why they continue to ignore the need to place numerals on the coinage.

Let's look at the press release:

"The professional life design-Lincoln speaking in front of the Old State Capitol-sums up his Illinois experience," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.  "Illinois is where Lincoln evolved into a successful lawyer and politician.  His service in the state legislature and Congress, and his debates with Stephen Douglas, paved the way to his election as President."

The "professional life" design is the third of four new designs appearing on the reverse of the one-cent coin this year.  The coin's reverse-designed by United States Mint Artist Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart-includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE CENT.  The coin's obverse will continue to feature sculptor Victor David Brenner's familiar likeness of President Lincoln, which debuted in 1909.  Inscriptions on the obverse are IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and 2009.

And don't get me started on In God We Trust.