FAQ
Q) Isn’t it illegal to mutilate coins?
A)According to Title 18, Chapter 17, Section 331 of the United States Code, it is a federal crime to fraudulently alter, mutilate, or falsify coins. This law protects the integrity of US currency, including all forms of coins and paper bills. However, the law does not prohibit coin mutilation if the coins are not used fraudulently. For example, it is legal to use a penny press to flatten and emboss a penny with a commemorative design. It is also legal to enamel pennies for artistic purposes as long as there is no intention of making them unfit for reissue. The process of creating elongated coins is also legal in South Africa and parts of Europe.
Q) What type coins are the best to use?
A) We use pre1982 pennies, these are coins made as a metal alloy. Current coins are made with a zinc slug then dipped in copper, therefore when pressed they flake off the copper coating so the zinc slug shows through.
Q) How do I get a custom coin made?
Please contact us for a mock up that you can use to make sure your design fits on a coin
Q) When was the first elongated coin made?
A) The first elongated coins are thought to have been made at the at the World’s Columbian Exposition, held in 1893 in Chicago, Illinois. It was also called the World’s Fair of 1893, and there were several designs made. Elongated coins are still a popular souvenir today.
Q) How can I grow my collection?
A) There are several websites and online groups exist to support collectors offering locations and articles covering topics such as rolling, preserving, cleaning, and other related topics.[14] The Elongated Collectors is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1966. The group’s official mission is to “educate, encourage and promote the study, acquisition and exhibition of elongated coins.” The organization publishes a quarterly newsletter, “TEC News“, and periodic email updates, “TEC eNews”, creates elongated coins, and hosts an annual meeting in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money.[15] You can also find elongated coins on Ebay.