Pressed Pennies: Collectible for Child and Adult
Pressed pennies have been a beloved collectible for people of all ages for decades. Also known as flattened pennies, elongated coins, and squished pennies, these keepers of memory come at an affordable price that makes them an attractive option for collectors of all ages.
Pressed penny machines were first introduced in the late 1800s and gained popularity at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Since then, these vending machines have become a well-known sight at tourist attractions, museums, and theme parks, dispensing elongated coins that feature designs and images, some of which are exclusive to the location.
For children, pressed pennies are an excellent way to introduce them to the world of coin collecting. Pressed penny machines are often found in places where kids are likely to go on vacation. For example, if you visit the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., you can have a penny pressed with an image of a panda or a gorilla; while at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, you can get a penny with the Hogwarts crest or Dumbledore’s Army logo. As children experience these exciting places and get a penny so distinct to that moment, they are more likely to start a collection. Plus, the piece helps teach children how to handle valuable things with care, the importance of organizing, and how to save money.
For adults, pressed pennies offer a unique way to commemorate a trip to a particular place. They are a souvenir that won’t take up an immense amount of space but still serve as a lovely reminder of the trip. Plus, pressed pennies are inexpensive, so even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still obtain a keepsake that captures your trip’s memories. As we grow older, we often desire things that remind us of our youth. Pressed pennies are a great way to connect with your childhood and offer a window to the past.
Pressed pennies are also collectibles that provide the opportunity to learn about history, art, and culture. They are unique because many locations and events design a series of coins that correlate to specific historical events or exhibits. By collecting them, individuals can build their knowledge about different styles of art, and the historical significance behind each design.
The allure of pressed pennies is not the pennies themselves but the images etched on them. A penny is unremarkable, but the elongated image lets you take a piece of the place or experience with you. For instance, at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, fans can get a penny with Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth’s face. These images put the Hall of Fame experience into a souvenir that fans can share with an enthusiasm.
Pressed pennies are also fun to trade and share with other collectors. Whether at a coin collectors’ show, a flea market, or convention, the coins serve as an excellent discussion starter about one’s travels and interests. Additionally, trading pressed pennies serve as a unique way for people to connect with one another and an opportunity to expand one’s personal collection.
Pressed pennies usually come in a 51mm x 31mm format, so they are relatively small and easy to store. Collectors can categorize them based on location, theme, or material, making them easy to organize. Additionally, for those collectors who are environmentally conscious, the fact that pressed pennies take up less space and don’t produce packaging waste makes it an eco-friendly pastime.
When displaying a pressed penny collection, collectors can be creative with their presentation. Some collect pressed pennies with the intent to display them in shadow boxes or albums. Others prefer to use them as decorations in a room or affix them to jewelry, bookmarks, or keyrings. Whatever way an individual chooses to display their collection, it makes for a unique and exciting way to exhibit souvenirs.
Despite the charms of pressed pennies, collecting them does have some drawbacks. The coppers used in the vending machines may not be up to the numismatic standards as they are not or lightly circulated, so one might not find a pressed penny in a respectable condition. Additionally, some collectors claim to have heard the same designs have been repeated, especially if the machines are within the same franchise or establishment.
Pressed penny collecting can be genuinely iconic and memorable for collectors of all ages. Whether it is a charming souvenir of an amusement park or a memory of a fantastic experience on vacation, pressed pennies serve as lifelong reminders of wonderful moments we have experienced. They are also unique art pieces that offer stories about the places and events one has encountered. So, if you are a collector or someone just starting, the pressed penny is a must-have keep.