Squished Penny Museum

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Squished (or elongated/smashed/pressed/rolled) pennies are cents that have been rolled in a special machine to create a souvenir. The penny is put through a pair of hardened steel dies, one or both of which is engraved with a design. The penny is squished between these dies, or rollers, with 22 tons of pressure, causing the design to be impressed upon the coin.

student image Why would people do that?

Squished coins are created to remind us (as well as everyone who sees them) where we have been with a carved impression in copper. They can also commemorate events, honor people, become an accesory, or be used as advertising.

When did all this start?

Squished pennies are no new kid on the memory-maker block. These souvenirs have been around since the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago (fig. A). Since then, tens of thousands of different coins have been flattened into memorable trinkets. Many early issues commemorated expositions, fairs, and important events (fig. B-G). Though the nuances of each roller, or the person who actually cranks out the pennies, can affect the final look of the piece, each coin possesses something in common: it is a simple, economical treasure that carriers many fond memories with it.

A	B
C	D
E	F
G

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I used to squish pennies on the railraod tracks.

When many people hear the term "squished penny", their thoughts immediately turn to coins flattened by a massive train (fig. H). But these are what we at the Museum called squashed coins (or railroadius squashus for those fans of the Road Runner cartoons). They are mere imposters in the squishshed penny world.

What else can you tell me about them?

Though the hobby began here in America, its influence has been felt worldwide. In the countries where squishing coins is legal (unlike Canada, for instance), the phenomenon has caught on. Tourists in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, & Germany (fig. I) can capture their own experiences on a piece of native currency. It is this transcultural appeal that has allowed the squishing to occur worldwide.

Like the hobby, the penny hasn't remained stagnant over the years either. Chrome-plated (fig. J) and gold-plated (fig. K) pennies allow a roller to create a new look and feel to a design, without actually altering the die. And putting a penny through a roller isn't the only way to create quite an impression. Counterstamping a coin with a press allows one to mark it with a customized message.

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What’s with the silvery streaks I sometimes get when I squish a penny?

Unbeknownst to most people, the Treasury Department in Washington, DC has had an impact on squishing practices. Prior to 1982, the content of each penny was 97% copper and only 3% zinc, providing a uniform look to a final squished product. But the percentages have been reversed since, causing the zinc to bleed through to the surface and smear the elongated cent. In order to avoid this unsightly streaking, use a penny from 1981 or before.

Do people squish other coins?

Although this museum is dedicated to squished pennies, there is an entire world of other coins to mash. A popular technique is to create a series, pressing each denomination with a single design to a complete set. There are also some commercial machines out there that will press quarters or dimes.

Wait a minute, is squishing currency really legal?

Absolutely! It's all in your intentions. The United States law Section 331, Title 18 prohibits altering coins or other forms of money for fraudulent uses. On the other hand, it does permit the altering of coins, such as pennies, without such intentions. For example, when squishing coins, you make a copper souvenir of your visit to a far away place. But although your squished treasures may have infinite value to you, they are no longer currency. So, squish away, unless you intend to stuff your local vending machine with 'em the next time your soda fund gets low.

Do other people collect them too?

Indeed! In fact there is an organization dedicated to the hobby. The Elongated Collectors (TEC) is a great group of folks who design, roll, and mostly just collect these coins. Membership is inexpensive and the benefits include free coins and a quarterly newsletter. Though the Squished Penny Musem isn’t affiliated with TEC, we are members and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in the hobby, from beginners to longtime collectors.

Resources for squished pennies and other elongated coins:

Where can I find the location of penny machines?
Locate 'em!

What other wacky stuff can people do with pennies?
Shrunken Coins
Make Greg's dad happy
The Mega Penny Project

Are there any other fun coin links on the web?
The U.S. Mint's Games for kids (and adults, too -- way cool!)

Where can I get my own penny made?
We no longer do custom work, but you can try these folks:
Smashing Pennies
Rocky Rockholt

Alright, I’m ready to take the dive. Where can I buy my own machine?
Rocky Rockholt
Global Impressions
Vendor's Alliance