Penny Pressing

[GAMC369]

I know this has been discussed a million times but the search tool isn't pulling up anything helpful. Being that my oldest is only 3.5 I don't think we'll do more than a few penny pressings but it would be fun to do a few. What are the most ideal penny years for this? Something before a certain year in the 1980's right? And all my pennies from prior to an 80's date are pretty dark and dingy. Anyone know a good way to clean that up a bit?

 

[Cedarmom]

Can't help you on which ones are 'best' for pressing, but you can clean them w/ vinegar and salt. Google the amts. Just don't let the pennies touch each other in the solution.

 

[daleswife]

My DH does this every chance he gets. We have two books full of those darn thing. We spent more on the pressed pennies than we did souviners for the kiddos!!! LOL.....He just used the very shiny newest penny's he could find. He even went to the bank to see if they had new pennies rolled so he could take them down. they turned out really good!!!

 

[Walt(the man)Lover]

By now, you may have already received the info you were seeking. However, from the research I had done, pennies printed prior to 1982 do not have a certain mineral (zinc, I think) that can sometimes cause a "wave" effect in a pressed penny. I let my pre 1982 pennies soak in white vinegar, and they came out clean, but not shiny. I think it is just a personal preference. I plan to let my kids do 2 a day in lieu of expensive souvenirs. Good luck!

 

[RSADP]

I think pressed pennies are an awesome collection activity! I've been collecting pressed pennies from all over the place for over 5 years now, it's so much fun!

I also collect Post cards. Small easy fun things.

 

[Zookeeperof4]

We have three kids and plan on penny pressing.....I have saved enough quarters and pennies to have each child make 13 each. the kids also made pressed penny containers to hold their money to make them