Letters
Throughout site, I've solicited answers to questions I have about my pennies. Here are some of the answers people have sent to me. Thanks a lot everybody for being so helpful! If you have anything to say about any of the coins you see on my site, please do!
Jason wrote on July 10, 2004
I grew up about 30 miles west of Grand Rivers in Paducah, KY. It's probably been two or three years since I last made it to Patti's. I'm surprised to hear someone call it the best restaurant in the world (I would probably nominate a good steakhouse like Morton's, but Patti's is definitely more affordable). The area around Grand Rivers attracts a lot of tourists with Kentucky and Barkley Lakes and the Land Between the Lakes state park, so there are other things to do besides Patti's that would make the trip worthwhile. And if you drive to Grand Rivers, you might as well come on up to Paducah... on Saturday nights during the summer they have bands and different kinds of performers on Broadway downtown. You might even try Starne's BBQ while you're there.
Jamie wrote on June 19, 2004
They do represent actual buidings in Atlanta. The domed building, second from right, looks like the State Capitol building. To the left of that is definitely 191 Peachtree Tower. I'm not sure of the others.
Lisa wrote on November 25, 2004
1886-1986 - U.S. got it from France in 1886 and in 1986 - her centennial was celebrated - and there was a HUGE campaign in the 1980's - Lee Iacocca raised lots of money from people to have her cleaned up and refurbished - I think before the cleanup there were areas that were closed - and they reopened areas again after her cleanup....unknown person wrote on July 18, 2004
The statue was dedicated to us in 1886. The penny was probably commemorating the 100th anniversary. Come on, that was easy enough to deduce and even easier to research!Bob wrote on July 5, 2004
The dates on the Statue of Liberty penny represent the centennial anniversary of the Statue. The Statue's dedication ceremony was October 28, 1886.Marie wrote on December 15, 2003
1886-1986 was the 100th anniversary of The Satue of Liberty.Scott wrote on November 24, 2003
The Statue of Liberty is actually in New Jersey, not New York.onewomansjunk wrote on February 11, 2003
statue of liberty: 1886-1986. you were wondering the significance -- not sure, but maybe the centennial of it? I know that Gustav Eiffel was active in the 1880's
Nina wrote on November 13, 2003
i am the "somebody" who sent the steelie of the arch to you. it is a frank brazzel design. he was intrumental in helping gary castens in the starting up of penny press midwest back in the very early 90"s. i love pressing this particular design on the steelies as it appears to be the same material the arch is made of. the machine is located in front of the silver and hide shop upstairs in union station downtown. the arch has sited security reasons for the machine to not be located there (this was years before "9-11")
Karen wrote on February 2, 2003
Sparky's is a store located at CityWalk in Universal Studios, Hollywood. It's a unique store that takes you on a walk through your favorite childhood memories! They currently have a pressed penny machine with 4 designs available. Hope this helps to shed some light into Sparky's for you!Theron wrote on April 28, 2003
You incorrectly state that it has a picture of Charlie Brown on it. Sparky may well have been the nickname of Charles Schultz, but the character in question is named Sparky and he is definitely not Charlie Brown. I can see the resemblance, but it's not the same character. Sparky's is toy stores in Universal City (just North of Hollywood) that specializes in retro toys. And Sparky is their mascot. It's a pretty cool place and they have lots of toys you didn't think existed anymore.Melissa wrote on March 26, 2003
Just wanted to let you know that the Sparky's penny you just got... Sparky's is a hipster, pseudo-vintage type (but actually new stuff) toy store at Universal City Walk.
Gray wrote on February 27, 2003
Interesting Web Site. Anyway to answer your question: Potsdam is outside Berlin, Germany. It is where the Prussians built a summer palace or two. King Wilhelm built Sanssouci in the mid 1700's. It has many exotic buildings and monuments - such as a Chinese tea house, French Gardens, and a Temple built with sea shells ( I do not remember what it was called, maybe the Posieden Temple - but it was different). Sanssouci means 'without worry' or something to that effect in French. Hope this helps.Mirko wrote on May 9, 2003
Hi there! I would like to inform you about Pottsdam and Schloss Sanssouci. "Potsdam" (thats how its actually written in german) is a city located southwestern from Berlin, Germany's capital city. Potsdam itself is the regional capital of "Brandenburg", one of germany's sixteen federal states. "Schloss Sanssouci" is a very nice palace located in Potsdam, where the prussian king "Friederich der Grosse" (Frederic the Great) had his summer residence. It was built between 1745 and 1747 and Frederic actually died in this palace at the age of 74 during the summer of 1786. So, I hope that I could help you. Please excuse my english, I'm from germany...Andrew wrote on May 26, 2003
Re: Mikki's penny, Potsdam is in Berlin. the 'Schloss' is the castle in Potsdam.J Fiddle wrote on October 4, 2003
Your mystery coin is from Potsdam, Germany and commemorates Sanssouci Palace, a description follows: Sanssouci Palace was built for Prussian emperor Frederick II as his summer retreat, and its name, which literally means "no worries" in French, reflects the fact that he intended this as an escape from the pressures of Berlin and married life. The elegant Baroque design of the palace contains 12 richly-decorated Rococo rooms, such as the Marmorsaal (Marble Hall), where Frederick entertained his guests. The real showpiece of Sanssouci, however, is the park. Visitors can wander through a series of beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Sizilianischer Garten (Sicilian Garden), which is filled with subtropical plants. A series of fountains and terraces leads to other structures within the park, such as the Neue Orangerie (New Orangery) and the Bildergalerie (Picture Gallery), which holds paintings by Renaissance artists, including Caravaggio, Rubens and Van Dyck.
Natalie wrote on August 27, 2003
The Museum of Flight is south of downtown Seattle. Boeing has a huge complex there, including an airfield, lots of R&D and offices, and the Red Barn that was it's first factory. The Museum of Flight is right next to the airfield, and has Nixon's Air Force One, a Soviet satellite, a capsule used to train the Apollo astronauts, the first fighter plane, and tons of other cool stuff. They're expanding it right now (2003) to hold their WWI/WWII fighter plane collection.
Joan wrote on August 21, 2003
There is a cog railway train that ascends Pike's Peak. Cog Dog is the railway mascot. The cog railway is diesel powered, but it is 2 cog wheels that pull the train up the mountain. The cog wheels ride along a center track that has notches for the cogs to fit into. If you are even in Manitou Springs (near Colorado Springs) I recommend you take this railway excursion. The train travels very slowly up Pike's Peak (I would guess about 10 mph) so that you can totally enjoy the incredible scenery. It takes about 45 min. Then you have about 45 min on the top, time to squish pennies at the summit, and time to check out the amazing views. Then a slow descent.
Julie wrote on April 7, 2003
"Dole Plantation Hawaii" Is located on the island of Oahu. It's about a 10min drive south from North Shore. It's a place to learn more about the growing process of a pineapple. Also can buy many different souviners and eat fresh pineapple. It's a great place to stop and have some pineapple flavored Dole Whip ice cream too. It's also the home of the world's largest maze. There is a smashed penny with a large pineapple on it with the words World's Largest Maze. There's actually 3 or 4 designs for the Dole Plantation Village.
Sandra wrote on May 14, 2003
Old Town San Diego is a California Historic State Park. Not to be confused with the San Diego Gas Lamp District which is the revitalization of downtown San Diego. Old Town is one of San Diegos' most popular tourist attractions rivaling even the World Famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World.
Todd wrote on February 19, 2003
I figured I'd try to be a bit of a help and let you know what Camp Snoopy is (you have an elongated penny from there that was sent to you by some other people). I live about a mile from Mall of America which is home to Camp Snoopy. Basically, Camp Snoopy is an indoor theme-park in the center of the largest indoor shopping center in Minnesota (and, for a short period of time after it was completed, the entire world). I see it as a tourist-y type of place, but there is just about everything you'll ever need there short of a hotel. That makes it a fun getaway that's close to home. Oh, I don't work for the mall nor any of the businesses located there, so there's no motive for me telling you all of this other than to be generally helpful. Currently, I'm a pizza delivery guy.
Natalie wrote on January 8, 2003
Hi, I'm sales manager at the Endangered Species Store in Las Vegas. I saw on your website that you were wondering if ESS was just riding on the back of the animals or actually doing something to help. I thought you might like to know that we do donate to saving Endangered Species. The amount and to which charities depends on the location of the store. For example, the 2 stores here in Las Vegas are donating a portion of our proceeds to the Nevada Wild Horse Association. We also donate to several other organizations both on the local and corporate levels. Just thought you'd like to know. Thanks!
Scott wrote on November 24, 2003
"Oglebay", a state park is actually East-Northeast of Wheeling WV. Of course they'd never tell you that.David wrote on December 15, 2002
It's from Oglebay park and resort, home of the 'world famous' Festival of Lights, the largest Christmas light show in the United States. This penny, I believe, is from a machine located in a lobby in the children's petting zoo section. The jack-in-the-box is one of their massive, animated, Christmas light displays. I must have been there a hundred times with my family as a child, and I'm currently going to a College 10 minutes away. Anyway, you don't have to take my word for it, here is their website. As an aside, I always wanted to get one of those but my mom would never fork out the buck in quarters.
Beth wrote on October 15, 2002
Just a bit of trivia about the Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, Oregon... film buffs will recognize it as the mountain lodge in the Jack Nicholson movie, The Shining. Plus, there's all it's fabu WPA history.
Kacie wrote on October 11, 2002
I can't believe they actually have a MK V diver helmet on a smashed penny. You see, my boyfriend (of 4 years) is a U.S. Navy Diver and he absolutely loves all the collectibles (and so do I) that has anything to do with diving. The MK V was one of the original helmets they used for diving (watch Men of Honor--great movie with Robert Deniro and it will tell you all about it.) So, I'm jealous that you have this.
Randy (Margaret's husband) wrote on February 27, 2002
The Byodo-In Buddhist Temple is on the isle of Oahau. There is a penny smashing machine in the gift shop, which is where she smashed the penny she gave to you. Here is a web-site with more info about the temple.Kaye wrote on March 2, 2002
It's actually a Budhist temple on the Pali highway not too far from where my husband works. I didn't realize there was a penny machine there until I saw your web page. It's a lovely area. You can see it from the highway on Oahu.Lori Y. wrote on November 1, 2002
This temple is located in the outskirts of Kaneohe, my home town. It's a replica of a temple that was originally built in 10th century in south Kyoto, Japan (I've been to the original too, but I have to say I like the one in Kaneone better but admit that I'm biased). The temple itself is located in a cemetary called Valley of the Temples - the temple is not visible from the main road (Kahekili Highway, not Pali Highway as someone else wrote) and I believe they charge admission to it. The scenery is beautiful, there's a small gift shop, and they sell food so you can feed the koi.
Sue wrote on February 10, 2002
The building on the Boston Skyline smashed penny is the John Hancock Tower, designed by IM Pei; notorious for the solid walls of glass windows that routinely fell out and-smashed!
R.J. Richards wrote on November 17, 2001
Ragged Point: This is a spot on the central California (Big Sur) coast, about 14 miles north of San Simeon, where Hearst Castle is located. This is the spot where northbound Highway 1 gets very narrow and twisty on its way up to Monterey (about 75 miles of unbelievable scenery).
Thomas Matthiesen wrote on December 5, 2001
The penny from Seattle World's Fair with Space Needle and monorail at base was adapted from a painting my father did that was also used as the design of the US postage stamp commemorating the fair. He was also the designer of the symbol of the fair shown to the left of the Needle image on your penny. His name is Bob Matthiesen.and again on December 8, 2001
My father, Bob Matthiesen, was a Seattle graphic designer in the 50's and 60's well known for his corporate identity marks. He was in on the Seattle World's Fair, Centuiry 21 early on and has many stories of multi -mass martini lunches and cocktail napkin scribbles with the planners of the fair when it was just a dream. He and others he had done design work for dissuaded the powers that be from going to New York or Chicago for a designer. He knew there was plenty of world class talent in Seattle and managed to break the provincial walls down. He was much admired and is to this day quite proud of his work for the fair and the fact that so many local artists, designers and printers got work through him. He enjoyed hearing about your website (he is in a nursing home now) and how well designed it is. It really is a fun site and perhaps I will get a chance to show it to him someday. He will be pleased to hear that you might mention his role in these images that are so often uncredited.
Dylan wrote on August 8, 2001
the two elks on the cabela's penny is a statue outside the cabela's sporting goods store in kearney, nebraska.Chuck wrote on August 15, 2001
The cabella's sporting goods store is in two locations in Nebraska. I think the main one is in Kearney. They do have a statue of two elks at the kearney store.Somebody wrote on December 1, 2002
(hey if you don't leave your name, I can't give you credit)
regarding the two elks on the penny's- The Cabela's they are referring to are located in Kearney, Nebraska and Sidney, Nebraska. The world headquarters are in Sidney, Nebraska, where the company originated, and that's where the penny is from.
Jeanne wrote on March 15, 2001
the answer is *yes* the people at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans really *do* wear those uniforms :D ... hehee, believe me ... I've eaten enough beignet to know (yum!) (She's a Life long resident of Metairie, Louisiana, so she should know.)Siri Lynn wrote on March 20, 2001
The answer to your question is a resounding YES! I used to work there, and just last weekend (March 18, 2001) and they are still wearing those awful yet customary costumes, paper hat and all. If you wish I can send you a picture of a couple of poor saps I know in the full Cafe' Du Monde regalia, just e-mail me and let me know, to me it is only one bus away.Kym wrote on February 13, 2003
I was born and raised in New Orleans, as a child you at one time drive your car to the cafe du monde, and you would be waited on in your car, like when you go to eat at a sonic. Pants, always black, white chef shirts, and the famous white chef's hat. Granted the french quarter has changed a great deal, down you can only walk in the cafe du monde, and only be served at a table, either inside or outside on the courtyard. As I am guessing that if your asked if they really do wear these uniforms, that you haven't been there. They make the best beignet's, and probably the only place that does, and they are pronounced>> ben-yay. Take a trip and visit, and try them for yourself, you will enjoy them.
Joan M wrote on November 11, 2000
jackson square in new orleans fyi is a square around jackson park around which congregrate artists, street performers, palm readers, psychics, etc. the church is at the head of the square, and is called st. louis cathedral.
Robert wrote on August 29, 2000
Don't know if it is still available but I have one that I got in 1980 ..When I visited the Memorial... First one I ever "had" smashed ...I say "had" smashed because there was a cart and a vendor that did the work for you ...So they were around back then.Christy wrote on July 23, 2003
I wanted you to know a bit more about your USS Arizona Memorial penny. I have 2 copies of similar designs from there. One appears much older then the other. The one you have appears to be the older one in my collection. The main difference is the flag in the older version it waves to the left and in the newer version it waves to the right.
Angie wrote on July 15, 2000
I was looking through your site and noticed you couldn't figure out what the design on your Seattle Center penny represents. Well, I'm from the Seattle area and have that very same penny, and I'll tell you my best idea of what it represents. In the middle of the Seattle Center is a huge fountain that sprays up thousands of gallons of water. It is shaped like half of a sphere and has hundreds of different holes for the water to shoot out of. What the people at the Seattle Center have done is synchronized the fountain with music and turned it into a real show. The fountain is open for kids and people to run in and play, and to me it looks like that is what the penny is depicting. I think the squiggles coming up are the water shooting from the fountain and there are people running and playing in the water. What do you think? Sound good?Long Penny wrote on August 5, 2000
The Seattle Center penny is of the arches just out side of the Science Center. They were built for the 1962 worlds fair. If you watch PBS and catch a science of classical music show that is based in Seattle you will often see it. It makes a great back ground.Lana wrote on October 27, 2000
your seattle center penny is of the childrens science museum and the the mess of lines is of some funky statues I never could find that penny press.Louis wrote on June 6, 2001
I'm writing about the enigmatic "Seattle Center" penny. I work at the Pacific Science Center and it looks nothing like our arches. Check www.pacsci.org . However, it does look like it's meant to be the International Fountain in Seattle Center, as describe by one of the others who wrote in. There's a picture of it with the Needle at www.seattlecenter.org . Not clear what the human-like figure is there for; there's no catch-pool next to the fountain, though, so you can walk right up to the hemisphere where the water jets out.
James wrote on November 27, 1999
The Scripps Institute of Oceanography is a graduate school of UCSD in Marine Biology and is located on the coast of San Diego near La Jolla. They also operate a museum and aquarium for the public -- the penny machine is there.Robert T. Reid III wrote on April 24, 2000
yes, the sio ucsd,birch and scripps institute of oceanography (sio) are all the same place. they renamed it steven birch a few years ago and the aquarium is actually on ucsd property. I lived by it for many years...Amber wrote on April 30, 2001
I saw on your website that you wanted more info about the stephan birch aquarium mus. It is located in La Jolla CA. It is affiliated with the Scripps institude as well UCSD. It is an aquarium that also has a museum section to it. SInce you got this penny they changed the name to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The address is 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla CA phone - 858-534-3474Candy wrote on June 6, 2001
Here's the link to the Stephen Birch Aquarium, a part of the prestigious Scripps Institute of Oceanography http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
Diana wrote on December 9, 2000
It's me again. The 'star' in the Seattle Mariners symbol is a compass rose. Used by "mariners" to navigate the seas.Louis wrote on June 6, 2001
The Seattle Mariners "star" is intended to resemble a stylized nautical compass, like actual mariners might use.