Pressed pennies are small and unique souvenirs that are popular among collectors of all ages, but particularly children. These flattened coins can be found at a variety of tourist attractions, landmarks, and theme parks, and are often relatively inexpensive to purchase. For collectors, the variety of pressed penny designs is vast, with new designs being created all the time. For parents, pressed pennies offer a fun and educational way to engage their children while exploring new places. Overall, pressed pennies are an affordable and fun way to both collect and remember special moments.
Pressed pennies, also known as elongated coins or smashed pennies, are created by placing a penny between two rollers with a design engraved on one of the rollers. As the penny passes through the rollers, the design is flattened onto the penny, resulting in a unique and elongated design on the coin. The process has been used since the late 1800s, with the earliest known pressed penny designs appearing at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.
While initially popular as a way to commemorate specific events or occasions, such as the World's Fair, pressed pennies have since become popular in a variety of tourist locations. Visitors can find pressed penny machines at museums, theme parks, zoos, and other attractions. Many collectors enjoy the unique and often quirky designs available on pressed pennies, as they often feature images of popular characters, landmarks, and objects.
One great aspect of pressed pennies is that they are inexpensive to collect. While some coins can be quite expensive, many pennies can be purchased for around 50 cents or less. This affordability makes pressed pennies a great choice for parents who want to encourage their children to start collecting. Instead of spending a large sum of money on traditional collectibles, children can start their collection with just a few dollars and can save up for new designs as they are released.
Additionally, pressed pennies offer a unique way to teach children about history and culture. Many coin designs depict famous landmarks or historic events, allowing parents to use them as teaching tools for their child. For instance, a family visiting Washington D.C. can visit the Lincoln Memorial and then purchase a pressed penny depicting the famous statue, which can be used as an opportunity to teach the child about Lincoln's legacy. Similarly, a visit to a zoo can be enhanced by exploring special designs that feature the animals that were seen that day.
In fact, pressed pennies offer a way to remember the special moments and places that families experience together. As opposed to relying on pictures or videos, a collection of pressed pennies can create a tangible representation of those memories. Pennies collected from a family trip can be stored in a special book or album, which can be passed down through generations and serve as a souvenir of those special moments.
But pressed pennies aren't just for children; many adults enjoy collecting pressed pennies as well. In fact, some collectors are so dedicated to collecting pressed pennies that they travel across the country in search of rare or special designs. These collectors often appreciate the unique artwork that goes into designing the coins, as well as the challenge of completing a set of designs from a particular location.
As with any collection, the value of pressed pennies varies depending on a number of factors. Rarity and condition are important considerations when determining the value of a particular coin. However, the majority of pressed pennies are worth only a few cents each, making it an accessible hobby for many people.
Ultimately, collecting pressed pennies is a fun and engaging hobby that can bring joy to both children and adults. The affordability and diversity of designs make it an attractive option for collectors of all levels. Pressed pennies can be used as a way to remember special events, teach children about history and culture, and create an enjoyable hobby that can be shared across generations. So, if you're looking for a unique and affordable way to commemorate your travels and create special memories, consider starting your own collection of pressed pennies!