Elongated coins, aka pressed coins, are the perfect starter collectible. The cost is reasonable and there is a lot of variety so nearly everyone can be satisfied with something.
Back in the 1990s, when Disneyland had a backstage open house for Cast Members and invited guests, I had the privileged of touring the electromechanical workshop where the coin presses are maintained. It was one of the highlights of the tour and I took home a very rare “Ron Dominguez” pressed penny.
Now Disneyland has released a fun video that takes you into the workshop and shows how the pressed pennies are made. Here Rob Johnson, who has been making and maintaining coin presses at the Disneyland Resort Electromechanical Shop for 25 years, talks about the process and the over 40 designs will debut during the resort’s Diamond Celebration.
I had no idea that over 500 coins have been made over the years. I have a few prized coins in my collection. How about you? Do you collect pressed pennies on your Disney vacation?