Can someone explain the pressed penny thing, please?

[Iluvthemouse]

DD collects the ones from like Six Flags but you usually put in quarters and a pressed penny comes out. I am reading where people are cleaning their pennies. What am I missing here?

TIA

 

[Downrivermama]

Some people use pennies minted before 1982 when the copper content was higher. The pennies since 1982 have more zinc in them and when the penny is pressed it can leave streaks of silver that can turn black. (I haven't noticed that.) The last time I went to WDW I cleaned older pennies, but have come to like using new pennies. It's just a preference. I usually just use whatever pennies I have with me.

 

[bscs]

You need to put in your own penny plus 2 quarters. You get your own penny back which is now pressed. These are located everywhere throughout WDW and a few at SW. My girls love them. They sell books for about $6 at most of the WDW stores to put your pressed penny in. My dd loved this so much last time that we made a list to bring with us next time of all the ones they have so they can get different ones. My dd were 5 & and 10 yrs old last time and will be 8 & 13 this time so every age usually like this. Especially good for kids that feel they are too old for the autograph from characters thing. I've read on these boards that a good way to bring your pennies and quarters is in those m&m's tube containers. Have fun.