Pressed Pennies
Summary
Hosts Alex Schmidt and Katie Golden join comedian Jamie Loftus to explore the hidden history of pressed pennies, or "elongated coins." They discuss their origins at the 1893 World’s Fair, the "stinky zincy" phenomenon, and the legal nuances of coin mutilation. The trio also touches on hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut and the impending end of US penny production.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest Jamie Loftus
Hot dog eating and Dude Wipes sponsorship
The joy and futility of pressed pennies
Pressed penny collections and weird designs
Stinky zincies and penny composition
History of pressed pennies at World's Fairs
Half pennies and the end of the US penny
Global cash bans and EU identity checks
US laws on coin mutilation and counterfeiting
Smashing coins with trains and giant guns
Canadian penny retirement and recycling
Outro, takeaways, and bonus content
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