Finding Oblong Penny Collections in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

You don’t always need a dealer to find these treasures. Here’s what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

The Rise of Elongated Coin Collecting

Elongated coins, often called “pressed pennies” or “smashed pennies,” have been a beloved souvenir for over a century. These unique collectibles are created by feeding a coin through a press machine that flattens and imprints a design onto the metal, transforming ordinary currency into personalized mementos with both numismatic value and sentimental appeal.

According to a recent USA Today article, the end of the penny has raised concerns among collectors about the future availability of these pressed coins. “We have a terrific collection of Oblong Pennies made from coin presses at museums, tourist sites, and historical places around the world,” one collector noted, “But now with the end of the cent, it is going to be harder and harder to create these.”

Historical Significance

The history of elongated coins dates back to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where the first recorded penny press machines appeared. These machines quickly became popular attractions at fairs, expositions, and tourist destinations across America, creating a collecting niche that bridges numismatics and tourism.

What makes these coins particularly interesting is their dual nature as both currency and collectible. They represent a moment in time, a place visited, and often feature designs commemorating historical events or locations. Some rare elongated coins, particularly those from significant historical events, can command prices in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars among serious collectors who appreciate their historical context and rarity.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through bulk lots or estate sales, there are several key features to look for:

• Metal Type: While most elongated coins are made from copper cents, machines can be calibrated to accept nickels, dimes, quarters, and even half dollars or dollar coins, each offering different collectibility
• Design Quality: The clarity and depth of the pressed design can indicate the machine’s quality and maintenance, with sharper strikes generally commanding premium prices
• Historical Context: Coins from significant events or locations (like world’s fairs) often carry additional value due to their historical significance
• Date of Creation: Older elongated coins, particularly pre-1960s examples, are generally more valuable due to their age and the patina that develops over time

It’s worth noting that while the machines are most commonly found in the United States, they exist worldwide. “They even have coin elongating machines in other countries where cents don’t exist,” one collector pointed out, highlighting the global nature of this collecting niche and the potential for international varieties.

Circulation Finds and Bulk Lots

Finding elongated coins in circulation is rare but not impossible. More commonly, collectors find them in:

• Estate sales of avid travelers or collectors who recognized their sentimental and collectible value
• Antique shops with miscellaneous coin collections where knowledgeable sellers might overlook these flattened treasures
• Online marketplaces specializing in bulk lots, where cherry pickers can search for specific varieties
• Garage sales in tourist-heavy areas where families are downsizing their collections

When examining bulk lots, pay special attention to any flattened or elongated coins mixed in with regular currency. These often get overlooked by sellers who don’t recognize their collectible value, making them prime targets for knowledgeable collectors.

Cherry Picking Varieties

For the serious collector, cherry picking involves looking for specific varieties that offer the best combination of rarity and condition:

• Pre-1959 Wheat Cents: These feature the older Lincoln design and are generally more desirable due to their historical significance and the higher copper content
• Commemorative Designs: Coins pressed at significant historical events or locations, particularly world’s fairs, often carry premium numismatic value
• Multiple Pressings: Some collectors look for coins that have been pressed multiple times with different designs, creating unique error varieties
• Foreign Coins: Elongated coins from other countries can be particularly interesting to collectors due to their rarity and the challenge of finding them in mint condition

One collector mentioned the Johnson-Jeffries fight elongated coin as “very rare and likely the most desirable elongated,” while another noted that certain World’s Fair elongated coins can bring “$4-5000 (yes, thousands) when offered,” demonstrating the potential investment value of rare varieties.

Authentication and Value Guide

Authenticating elongated coins is generally straightforward since they’re typically contemporary creations. However, condition and rarity significantly impact value, with coins in better preservation commanding higher prices:

• Common Modern Examples: $0.50 – $5.00 for typical tourist souvenirs in average condition
• Pre-1960s Examples: $5.00 – $50.00 for vintage pieces with good eye appeal
• World’s Fair or Major Event Coins: $20.00 – $200.00 for historically significant pieces
• Extremely Rare Historical Examples: $200.00 – $5,000+ for truly exceptional rarities with documented provenance

The sentimental value often exceeds the monetary value for many collectors. “For coin collector Hoff, the appeal of the elongated coin remains the nostalgia of making a souvenir you get to take home,” as one article noted. “It’s a fun family thing. It’s wholesome and it’s interesting,” highlighting why these coins continue to captivate collectors across generations.

Future of Elongated Coin Collecting

While the potential discontinuation of the penny has raised concerns, collectors shouldn’t panic. “Not to mention they will have to roll tens of billions of cents before they even start to run out,” one collector pointed out. Additionally, the machines can be calibrated to accept other denominations, ensuring the hobby can continue even if pennies become scarce, though the traditional copper cent will always hold special appeal.

The enduring appeal of these coins lies in their accessibility and personal connection. They’re inexpensive to create, easy to collect, and each tells a story about a place visited or an experience had. As one collector beautifully summarized, “If you watch people waiting in line to press a penny, you oftentimes see a lot of laughter, smiles, and generally that’s something they want to take home and they’ll have for a while,” capturing the essence of why these humble flattened coins continue to bring joy to collectors.

Conclusion

Elongated coins represent a unique intersection of numismatics, history, and personal memory. Whether you’re searching through bulk lots at estate sales, examining circulation finds, or specifically cherry picking for rare varieties, these flattened treasures offer collectors an accessible entry point into the hobby while still providing opportunities for serious investment and historical preservation.

The next time you’re at a garage sale, antique shop, or estate auction, keep an eye out for these oblong treasures. You never know when you might find a pressed penny that’s worth far more than its flattened face value, or better yet, one that holds priceless memories of adventures past.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Oblong Penny Collections Without Getting Ripped Off – Discovering the Charm of Oblong Penny Collections What if I told you the most delightful pieces in your collection might…
• Crafting Oblong Pennies into Jewelry: A Guide for Coin Ring Artisans – Introduction: The Art of Transforming Oblong Pennies Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let me share my expertise …
• Preserving Your Oblong Penny Collection: Expert Conservation Tips – The Growing Value of Elongated Coin Collections As a dedicated conservationist, I’ve witnessed countless collectio…