Tom F. writes: I have a “squished” Lincoln penny (can barely make out 1928) with the imprint “Belgian Village Chicago Worlds Fair 1933” I enjoy owning it but always wonder if there’s someone it’s worth more to? Any ideas?
You coin is a “elongated cent”. Elongated cents are a popular collectable and examples can be found as much as 100 years old. The cent is shaped in a special machine and then stamped with a message or symbol. These were popular at the various national pavilions of the 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair.
Elongated cents are often found at amusement parks, county fairs and are commonly seen at major coin shows where they are created to commemorate the show. Collectors of “exonumia” enjoy these. They bring from $1 – $25 depending on the type and the historical background.
