Changing U.S. pennies into
A different design to sell
Is against the fed law to do,
So the I.R.S. would do well
To go after these many crooks,
And charge all with this heinous crime.
Full fines would go on the gov books,
Instead of having to serve time.
Rely on secret tattletales
To turn in those who'll have to pay
For blanking Lincoln to make sales.
Gov revenue - this is a way!

The penny could be worth a lot,
Fining defacers who are caught.

I was delighted to see the article on the uncommen cents in this months National Geographic. I have an 1893 Columbian Exposition pressed penny that I've had for many years. Where does one go about finding out if it has any value?

I would like to know where I could get a Desert Storm pressed penny. I have looked at many sites on the internet but have not found the one from your article. Please let me know or send me contact information. Thanks.

Jim: Any penny from the 1893 Columbian Exposition would claim prices considered "high" for an elongated coin ($40+). The specific variety of elongated matters, because there were a multitude of different designs produced at the exposition. If you give some more information, such as positioning of the words, any stars (and how many, and where), and on what type of coin it was pressed, I can give you a better estimate.

Yes Ima and then the Govt. can go after those folks who remove the tags form their mattresses. Ima I would have to agree with you that this is probably illegal but on the list of important crimes for the government to be trying to solve I dont believe this warrants any action at this time. The money this type of business generates is much better for America than anything that would come out of fines imposed for the commitment of the crime.

IT'S LEGAL!

U.S. Title 18, Chapter 17, Section 331: Prohibits among other things, fraudulent alteration and mutilation of coins. This statue does not, however, prohibit the mutilation of coins if done without fraudulent intent if the mutilated coins are not used fraudulently.