These devices, typically found in tourist destinations, museums, and amusement parks, take ordinary pennies and, through a rolling mechanism under high pressure, stretch and imprint them with a new design. The resulting souvenir is a flattened, elongated penny bearing an image relevant to the location or attraction.
Such pressed souvenirs offer a tangible connection to a specific place or experience, serving as inexpensive mementos and collectibles. The tradition taps into a historical practice of altering coins for commemorative purposes, offering a modern iteration that is both accessible and engaging. For the venues that host them, these machines can generate a small revenue stream while simultaneously promoting their brand or exhibit.
