Seems like not too long ago we were at the nearby Port Orleans Riverside resort checking out a brand new pressed penny machine. I’m not complaining as this gave me an opportunity to not just get some new pennies but also grab some fresh hot Mickey beignets. Let’s not waste any more time and head over to my favorite Walt Disney World Resort.

Yes you read that correctly, my wife and I stayed here years ago. It was before we were even married and had kids. It was just the two of us on a long weekend trip to Disney. Each time we got back from one of the parks we headed into the food court to get some beignets to take back to our room. The carpet inside our room was covered in powdered sugar by the time we were checking out. We have stayed at quite a few Disney resorts over the years, and this one has remained our absolute favorite.

If you are staying here or just visiting to pressed some pennies you don’t have far to go once you are inside the main lobby building. Near the check-in area there is the Jackson Square gift shop.

Inside is your usual Disney merchandise however sticking with the New Orleans theme there is a ton of Princess and the Frog items. I’m not a Loungfly bag collector but this one is fantastic with Louis playing his trumpet.

Near the payment registers I found Minnie Mouse all dressed up and blinged out for Mardi Gras. She’s just too cute.

The new penny machine is all the way in the back near the drink cooler and ice cream freezer. There used to be a 3-design electronic machine in this same location. That machine however has now been retired and replaced with this new 8-design touch screen model.

The penny designs at this new machine are a nice mixture of Princess and the Frog with images of Tiana, Prince Naveen, Dr Facilier, and Ray the firefly. Plus a few with Mickey and friends dressed up for Mardi Gras.

Disney definitely seems to be moving towards these larger machine models as more and more of the 3 and 4-design machines seem to be either replaced or just removed completely. Thankfully the cost has remained the same for now. $1 per penny design, or $5 for all eight. Definitely a better deal to get the entire set. The day was getting late and I was getting hungry for my sugary beignets which were calling my name.

Thanks for joining me to track down these new pennies and as always Keep on Pressing!

---

For all you Disney Medallion collectors out there, I hope you paid off our credit cards from last year because all of the designs have been replaced. There is a total of 18 medallion machines, most with 4 designs (that pesky machine at Pirates just has 1 new design) making for a total of 69 new medallion designs around Walt Disney World. They can be found in the parks, Disney Springs, and some of the resorts.

Something new for this year is that within all these new medallions are new numbered mini-sets. If you collected Disney pressed pennies in the past this was a common trend but in more recent years has been abandoned. Just as a little preview there are sets for 2024, Winnie the Pooh, the Seven Dwarfs, and Marvel. What makes these mini-sets interesting is they are also split among different machines making for a fun scavenger hunt. I will be making a separate post for each of the mini-sets just to try and help keep everything organized. Below is just a grand overview of all the new medallion machines, their locations and what designs are available. Good luck with your collections, and if you come across any new designs or machines as always please feel free to leave a comment for full credit within the post.

Keep on Collecting!

---

Magic Kingdom

Hall of Champions

Along Main Street USA past the Emporium, past Disney Clothiers but before Casey’s Corner is a shop called the Hall of Champions. Inside along one of the walls is the medallion machine with designs of Mr. Toad, Dopey, Tigger, and Mickey with the Fire Department Shield.

Adventureland Breezeway (Restrooms)

As you walk into Adventureland, just across from the Swiss Family Treehouse is a pathway that cuts over to Frontierland and Liberty Square but also has a busy set of restrooms. In this covered hallway is where you can find the next medallion machine we were looking for. The coin designs here are of Pete’s Dragon Elliot, the Hitchhiking Ghosts, Frontierland Mickey Sheriff Badge, and Grumpy dwarf.

Plaza del Sol Caribe (Pirates of the Caribbean Store)

One last machine to find inside the Magic Kingdom is back in the Plaza del Sol which is the gift shop for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. In the middle of the store is where the medallion machine can be found and has only one new design of Stitch dressed like a Pirate.

Animal Kingdom

Ziwani Traders

When you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom head back to Africa as if you were heading towards the Kilamanjaro Safari. There is a stand nearby that is selling amazing grilled corn and just behind that is a gift shop called Ziwani Traders. The medallion machine is hidden outside behind on of the doors. Coin designs here include 2024 Safari Mickey, Pocahontas & Meeko, Mufasa, and Grofer from Winnie the Pooh.

Epcot

Disney Traders

As you enter EPCOT just skip on through “Future World” sorry I forget what the new neighborhood names are, but to the World Showcase and one of the first gift shops you will come across is the Disney Traders store. Inside is just one medallion machine with designs of 2024 Olaf, Bashful, Remy, and Anna & Elsa from Frozen.

Port of Entry

Not too far away from Disney Traders is its almost identical twin store called Port of Entry. This one is on the Canada side of the World Showcase entrance. Once again there is only one medallion machine inside just to the left of the main checkout area. The medallions in this machine have images of 2024 Figment, Ralph & Vanelope, Happy and a Classic Mickey.

Hollywood Studios

Celebrity 5&10

After you scan into Hollywood Studios you can just walk straight up Hollywood Boulevard as if you were going towards the Chinese Theatre. Along the right hand side is what appear to be a few different shops and one is known as the Celebrity 5&10 which is where you can find the first medallion machine. Coin designs at this location include 2024 Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, Engineer Goofy, Sneezy, and Mr. Potato Head.

Tower Hotel Gifts

Take a quick right hand turn onto Sunset Boulevard and just follow that until you see the ominous Tower of Terror building. For those of you that would prefer to avoid “dropping in” you can skip past the queue entrance and just walk inside the gift shop but keep walking through until you find the crowds of people existing the attraction. There is a dark corner is where you will find the second medallion machine. The designs at this machine include 2024 Classic Hollywood Mickey & Minnie, Bellhop Donald, Bellhop Goofy, and Bellhop Stitch.

Disney Springs

Pin Traders

Traveling over to Disney Springs we have a few machines to check out. First we will head to the large Disney Pin Traders store that is located near the kids train ride and carousel. The machine at this location has medallion designs of Piglet, Captain America, Ant-Man, and Woody & Buzz Lightyear.

World of Disney

Nearby at the World of Disney store there are two medallion machines. The first one that is located on the side closest to the Lego Store has coin designs of Black Widow, Hawkeye, Eeyore and Dumbo.

The second machine is a bit harder to locate. It’s in the middle of the store near the section that primary has t-shirts. Hopefully that at least gets you in the general vicinity of the machine, plus the cast members should be able to help you find it. This machine has medallions of 2024 Pinocchio, Vision, Falcon and Kanga & Roo from Winnie the Pooh.

Contemporary Resort

Over at the Contemporary Resort up on the 4th Floor concourse (one level down from the Monorail platform) the medallion machine is located along the wall just to the right of the Monorail security check and the resort arcade. All four designs at this machine have been replaced and have coins with Donald & Minnie with the Chef Mickey’s logo, the Orange Bird Florida, Hulk from Marvel, and Sleepy dwarf.

Fort Wilderness Campground

This machine can be difficult to access but just give yourself plenty of time and patience. I usually find using the Disney Bus transportation from one of the parks or Disney Springs is the easiest way inside. Then use the internal campground bus system and get on the Orange Trail bus that will drop you off just outside the Meadows Trading Post. Just inside the doors is the medallion machine with designs of 2024 Cowboy Mickey, Chip & Dale, Mickey & Donald with a Map, and Goofy “Take a Hike”.

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

If you take the monorail over to the Grand Floridian resort the medallion machine will be just inside the resort doors. If you visit the resort from somewhere else, just enter the main lobby and head up to the second floor near the monorail security check. The medallions here have new images of Wasp from Marvel, a Mary Poppins Silhouette, Peter Pan, and Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh.

Polynesian Village Resort

After all this walk, and searching for the new medallions I needed a little Island vibes to relax and maybe grab a dole whip to cool off. Inside the main lobby building at the Polynesian Village resort, head upstairs to the second floor and just outside the Moana Mercantile shop is where you will see the medallion machine. Here you can collect the new coin designs of 2024 Surfer Mickey, Moana with Pua, Black Panther, and Stitch with the infamous phrase ‘Ohana Means Family.

All-Star Sports Resort

On to the All-Star Resorts. First up is the Sports resort, head inside the main lobby building and walk straight back as if heading towards their main pool. You will pass by the arcade and just outside is the medallion machine. These coins here have images of Thor, Stitch, Cheerleader Minnie, and Lightning McQueen.

All-Star Music Resort

Just a short drive or walk is the next location the All-Star Music Resort. As with the previous location head inside the main lobby and outside the Note’able Arcade is the medallion machine. The coins here have designs of Mike & Sully, Belle, War Machine, and Owl from Winnie the Pooh.

All-Star Movies Resort

One more stop in this area of Disney property and we find ourselves at the All-Star Movies Resorts. Head inside the main lobby building, but instead of the arcade this time you will need to head inside the World Premier Foodcourt. Past the caricature artist, you will find the medallion machine up along the large wall. These medallions include the Little Green Men, Iron Man, Doc and my personal favorite Ahsoka.

It didn’t take long for the vendor to star changing out Pressed Penny designs for the new year. We have been flooded with reports from all over WDW property as new designs are released. A HUGE thank you to everyone that has submitted information and left comments, it’s a big help in making sure we keep this list as up to date as possible for everyone. Last year (2023) there was a total of 69 penny designs for the 100th Anniversary celebration and those have been replaced with either new 2024 designs, new non-dated designs, older designs that have returned, or the machine has been removed completely.

There is a total of 59 new unique released pressed pennies with news that there is a duplicate design in two locations for a total of 60 pennies but we will confirm that at some point. For the dated 2024 designs there are a total of 23 pennies at 14 different machines.

Now let’s take a look at the new designs.

---

Magic Kingdom

Newsstand

Right after you scan your magic band or part ticket at the front entrance to the Magic Kingdom just head towards the left and you will see the Newsstand. This was a former gift shop that I haven’t seen reopen since the pandemic. The penny machine however is located right outside along one of the walls near a cart that is filled with park maps. This machine only has one new design of none other than Captain Hook.

Main Street Train Station

Next as you walk through the entrance tunnel and find yourself on Main Street USA, be sure to head underneath the Train Station as if you were heading towards the stroller rental counter. Along the backside of the stairs that would take you to the second floor is where you will find two penny machines. Only the machine on the right side has new 2024 penny designs of Stitch, Tinker Bell, Pluto and the four Park Icons (Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror and the Tree of Life).

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Still on Main Street if you head inside Tony’s Town Square restaurant, just past the check-in desk you will find the penny machine just outside the restrooms (sigh!). This machine only has one new design with an image of Lady and the Tramp with 2024 along the bottom.

Main Street Emporium

Just a little further up Main Street you will need to enter into the large Emporium. There are two machines in this first section of the store. Machine #1 has 8 designs in total, but only 4 of them are new for 2024 with designs of Pinocchio, Buzz Lightyear, Cinderella Castle with Tinker Bell, and Goofy with Pluto.

The second machine is a little further inside the Emporium store but before it transitions into the Disney Clothier store. This is another 8-design machine with only 4 new designs of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.

Heritage House

The last machine we needed to track down was back in the Liberty Square section of the park. It’s behind the Heritage House building, basically near the exit to the Hall of Presidents attraction. Only one design has been replaced here and it’s a beauty, showcasing the brand new addition to our Haunted Mansion, it’s Hattie the Hat Box Ghost.

Animal Kingdom

Discovery Trading Company

Just outside the Discovery Trading Company store are three three-design penny machines. Each machine has just one new design. This first machine starting to the left has a penny design of Timbon eating some bugs titled Jungle Grub.

Machine #2 in the middle has our first new 2024 dated design with the park icon The Tree of Life.

The third machine on the far right side has a fun new design of Dug from the Pixar movie Up! with a Squirrel on his head.

Chester & Hester’s Dino Treasures Shop

As you head into Dinoland USA over near the Triceratop Spin ride is a gift shop called Chester & Hester’s Dino Treasures. Towards the back of the shop near is a pretty unique looking machine. Here we find the next dated 2024 penny design with Chip and Dale.

Curiosity Tourism Cart

Our friends over at Presscoins.com like to refer to this machine’s location as the Curiosity Tourism Cart which honestly is accurate but not a common place guests and collectors would know. If you head back to the entrance of the Kilamanjaro Safari before heading into the queue, spin around 180 degrees and you will see the machine right behind you up against a wall. Nearby is an activity cart with a small sign listing it as Curiosity Tourism hence the location name. There is only one new design at this machine and it’s of Pluto with a lantern and water canteen with the total Adventure Awaits.

Before you head out of the African section of the park you will pass by Tusker House and the outdoor Dawa Bar. There is a little waiting area nearby and that’s where you will find the pressed penny machine with our last new penny in this park. Here you will find a fun 2024 design featuring Minnie Mouse in her explorer outfit with a notebook and pencil.

EPCOT

Disney Traders Gift Shop

Changing parks over to EPCOT, you can skip passed Spaceship Earth and go directly to the World Showcase. Our first stop is the Disney Traders gift shop and the penny machine can be found along the side set of doors closest to the Mexico side of the lagoon (hopefully that makes sense). All three designs at this machine are new, there is a 2024 dated Figment, a Young Groot and my favorite Ember and Wade from the new Elemental movie.

Port of Entry Gift Shop

Just across the promenade is an almost identical gift shop called Port of Entry this time towards the Canada side of the lagoon. The penny machine is once again located near the side set of doors but only has one new design of Remy from Ratatouille dated for 2024.

International Gateway Gift Shop

When you head past the United Kingdom Pavilion towards France, instead of heading over the bridge walk down as if you were going to exit the park towards the Boardwalk or Yacht & Beach Club resorts. Just before the exit is a gift shop known as the International Gateway. Inside is a nice looking machine, tucked away in the back near the drink coolers. There is only one new design here and it’s dated 2024 with the park icon Spaceship Earth.

Norway Pavilion

We have one last machine to find here at Epcot and it’s back in the Norway Pavilion inside The Fjording gift shop. As you walk inside it’s in the same room as the giant troll that everyone takes the required photo with (IYKYK). Across from the troll is the penny machine which some beautiful painted flowers adoring the cabinet. Once again just one new design here with Frozen Sisters (and Royalty) Anna and Else with 2024 across the bottom.

Hollywood Studios

Oscar’s Super Service

Hopping over to Hollywood Studios there is only one penny machine we need to check out and it’s just inside the park over at Oscar’s Super Service. This is where you would normally go to rent a wheelchair or scooter. Inside the service center is a classic white penny machine with three all new designs available. 2024 Tower of Terror, Daisy & Minnie in a Car, and Actress Minnie with Producer Mickey and the Hollywood Studios logo.

Disney Springs

Disney Pin Traders

When visiting Disney Springs for the newly released pennies you only have one stop to make and that’s at the big Disney Pin Traders store near the little kids train ride and carousel. Inside are quite a few penny machines. The first one we found has three new designs including Pooh Bear Tigger and Piglet, Mr. Incredible with Jack-Jack, and a really cool looks Loki design.

Continuing around the store I found the second machine, but this only has one new design released and it has a penny design of the Three Little Pigs.

The last machine in this location with new designs has all three of it’s designs recently replaced. The images on these coins include Woody kicking a football held by the Little Green Aliens, Mickey on a Motorcycle, and a second (duplicate) design of the 2024 Park Icons. See some notes at the bottom of this post reviewing some slight differences between the two versions of this design.

Boardwalk Inn

At Disney’s Boardwalk Inn these machines can be a bit difficult to locate. If you enter into the main lobby and are facing the back of the resort towards the actual Boardwalk you will want to head down the long hallway to your right. At the end is the Belle Vue Lounge and in this area is a single elevator with the two penny machines up against the nearby wall. The first machine on the left has three all new penny designs. Minnie & Mickey with the Boardwalk Logo, the Fab Five, and Merida with her horse Angus.

Right beside the first machine is the second with a nice pastel blue colored cabinet. This machine only has one new design of Rapunzel from the movie Tangled with the floating lanterns in the background.

Contemporary Resort

Hopping on the Monorail is an easy way to get a bunch of these new penny designs. Our first stop after the Magic Kingdom was over at the iconic Contemporary Resort. On the 4th Floor Concourse (one level down from the Monorail platform) the penny machine can be found just outside the Arcade or behind the Fantasia Gift Shop. Only 4 of these designs are new for this year and include designs of Merlin, Remi, Bell and Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey.

Fort Wilderness Campground

In my opinion this is probably the most difficult machine to access. It’s located in the Fort Wilderness Campground and this place is locked up tight if you aren’t staying here. They will not let you park here unless you are staying at the campground, visiting someone there, or if you have a dining reservation. The easiest way is usually to either take a Disney Bus from one of the parks, or the boats from Magic Kingdom. Then you need to take an internal bus to the Meadow Trading Post (gift shop). This penny machine has three all new designs including images of a Truck pulling a Mickey RV, Hiking Mickey, and Fishing Goofy.

Grand Floridian Resort

Walt Disney World’s Flagship resort the Grand Floridian is currently under a lot of construction and in my oppinion not very magical at the moment. They do still have a few penny machines available, but we are only focusing on the 3-design machine out front of the resort near the Disney Bus stop. All 3 designs here are new and have images of Dapper Mickey with the Grand Floridian Logo across the top, Dumbo the elephant in a barrel taking a bath, and the White Rabbit who is late, late, for a very important date.

POP Century Resort

I decided to use the Disney Skyliner to get inside the POP Century resort and track down a couple new penny designs. Inside the main lobby building you will find the Everything POP Shops and Dining area. The penny machines are located just past the gift shop but before you get into the food court area. The first machine has one new design that had Mickey standing with the POP Century Resort logo. This is very similar to an older retired design that used to press on a quarter.

If you spin around 180 degrees from that first machine you will see another one not too far away. This also has just one new design featuring 2024 Lightning McQueen from the Pixar movie Cars.

Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian Village Resort is another one of my favorites. I’ve never stayed here, but every time I walk inside or just around the property it feels like I’m somewhere in the Pacific on a tropical island. Inside the main lobby building up on the second floor the penny machine is located just outside the Moana Mercantile store. The penny designs here include Stitch living his best Island life, Mickey & Minnie Aloha, Lilo dancing, and the Orange Bird.

Wilderness Lodge

The large wood cabin looking resort known as the Wilderness Lodge is our next stop for new pressed pennies. The machine we were looking for is located way outside the building down near the large bus stop for the resort. All 3 penny designs are new at this machine and include images of Hiker Mickey with the Wilderness Lodge logo, Humphrey the Bear, and Mickey in a Canoe. Now this last design has some punctuation experts a bit up in arms. The bottom of the design say “Nature at It’s Finest” and uses the appostrophy incorrectly. Collectors are hoping this is an error the vendor will fix and could then possibly make this “error design” a sought after collectible. I visited the machine a few weeks after it was originally placed and so far the design has not been corrected. It may never be fixed, but does make for a fun coin to have in your collection.

** 2024 Park Icons Penny Design Comparison **

Our friend and fellow collector Jim McNally has done some comparison work on the two 2024 Park Icons Penny Designs. He posted his observation on the Disney Coin Pressers Facebook Group and I have included his finding below to assist with your own collection. A very special thank you to Jim for his work and review on these two similar coin designs.

Well it’s finally here, our last day in Denver is coming to a close and we were about to head out to the Airport. We had to be out of our Cabin by mid morning, and our flight wasn’t until later in the evening so we figured why not try and kill a little time with one last stop…for some pennies.

Just along the highway we had to take towards the airport was a bit of an outlet mall and it included one of my guilty pleasures a Bass Pro Shop. Now I’ve said this in the past, I’m not a hunter, fisherman, or camper but these stores are just fascinating.

These are huge mega stores with men’s apparel, women’s apparel and so much more.

Candy, hot sauce, snacks, and a huge select of jerky possibly only rivaled by a Buc-ee’s store.

One of my favorite sections of these stores is their BBQ section. All the different smokers, grills , charcoal, wood flavors, rubs, and sauces it’s all here.

Here’s a quick overview of the main section of the store as seen from the second floor. It’s almost intimidating when you first walk inside.

Plus did I mention that the stores are immaculately clean and organized. Staff is always nearby to help if you have questions and most of the times they are just checking in to see how you are doing even if you are just browsing.

My daughters always like the large tanks filled with all sorts of different fresh water fish. Most of the stores have a bench or set of chairs right in front for your viewing pleasure, or just to take a bit of a break during your visit.

Of course sticking with the outdoor theme, and the large hunting sections within the store there is a lot of taxidermy animals. It’s almost like being in a Natural History museum and the details go on and on. We were enjoying the above couple of bear before my daughter eventually pointed out the wild cat up on the rocks. Then even in the lower bushed you can find creatures like beavers, squired or any number of other woodland creatures. It’s very impressive how they have these displays setup.

Before we left of course we had to find the pressed penny machine. In this location it was back near the large fish tank and honestly pretty easy to spot.

The designs are cute and similar to some of the other locations, but they do make sure an include the location Denver, CO which I loved and makes a nice addition to my Bass Pro Shops mini collection of pennies.

Well it was finally that time to make our way back towards the airport and eventually home to Florida. I said it many times over these posts but this was really an unbelievable trip. My wife researched, booked and set everything up for us and she did an amazing job. Everything she does she puts in so much though into making sure everyone will have something or somewhere to enjoy. It wouldn’t have been the amazing trip it was, if it wasn’t for her. Where are we off to next, well you’ll just have to stay tune.

Keep on Pressing!

---

We continued our visit to the 16th Street mall in downtown Denver and came across the Rocket Fizz Soda and Candy Shop. This would have make Willy Wonka drool with all the confectionary items found inside.

Once inside there is just an incredible selection of sweet treats from gum, candy, chocolate, taffy and anything else you can imagine, plus probably a few things you probably didn’t even know existed.

The staff was very friendly and anxious to help us pick out some treats and offered quite a few suggestions and pointed out their own favorites.

I love soda and this was a paradise for me with plenty of unique flavors. Some definitely sounded better than others (not sure I want to enjoy a cold crisp bottle of grass flavored soda), but others were very intriguing.

Did I mention unique items? Yes you are looking at some special flavors of cotton candy (or candy floss). Pick your poison, either Spicy Jalapeño or maybe more sweet and smokey with Maple Bacon flavored.

They do have a pressed penny machine and it’s actually front and center as soon as you walk into the store. Sorry I had to make you wait a little bit while we toured around the store. These are not my favorite style of machines as I just find they usually roll short more often than not but that didn’t stop me from pressing a set for my collection.

The designs included in the set had images of the Denver skyline, the Colorado Flag, a Colorado Bear, and my favorite was the Rocket Fizz logo.

We thankfully escaped the store with only a few treats and a couple bottles of soda. We took the opportunity to sit for a bit of a break and enjoy our snacks. We still have a couple more stops before our Colorado trip comes to and end. Keep on Pressing!

---

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you are having a wonderful day with family, friends, neighbors, or maybe just pets. Enjoy the day and maybe if you are like my family you’ll check out just a bit (or all 24 hours) of the annual A Christmas Story TV marathon.

I will admit when I first watched this movie I wasn’t a huge fan, and for years I would change the channel when it would air on TV. But then when I started joining my wife’s family for the Holiday’s this was a staple that they would start watching Christmas Eve. The more I watched it the more I enjoyed and now it just doesn’t seem like Christmas if we don’t watch it at least 3 or 4 times.

I’m sure most of you have seen this move and know what it’s all about. However in case any of you haven’t seen it the story revolves around Ralphie a 9-year old boy in 1940. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200 Shot Range model Air Rifle.

His desire is rejected by his mother, his school teacher and even a disgruntled Santa at the local department store. All giving him the same advice “You’ll Shoot your Eye Out.”

As I’m sure you can guess Ralphie does eventually get his special gift and has a very an unfortunately incident afterwards. Almost like he was told before hand exactly what would happen. To help celebrate this classic movie and catchphrase, fellow elongated coin collector and designer Alex Mruk created this fantastic design. It’s centerpiece is the family tree with two rifles along each side of the tree, a broken pair of glasses, and plenty of gifts under the tree. You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid in text down the middle, and the bottom includes Merry X-Mas 2023

I’ve mentioned this numerous times in the past but if you are not currently a member of the Facebook Group The Elongated Collectors what are waiting for. It’s free and there are always plenty of other members creating and offering unique elongated coin designs I guarantee you will not find anywhere else. All are available for a reasonable cost, and can include not just pressed pennies but other denominations and even international coins. If you want a copy of this coin, join the club and reach out to Alex Mruk. Then just sit back and wait to see what all the very talented designers come up with next.

Merry Christmas, and as always Keep on Pressing!!

P.S. – If you are interested in watching a fun little recreation of the infamous “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” scene, I have a short YouTube video up on my channel that you can check out below. Enjoy!

---

Not too far from the U.S. Mint we drove towards the 16th Street Mall which had quite a variety of dining and shopping locations available, plus a couple penny machines.

Unfortunately during our visit large sections of the mall walkway was under massive construction. Loud noice, cramped detour paths and lots of dust in the air made this a less than perfect experience. But we were determined to make the best of it.

From where we parked there was about a 5 minute walk before we found the Hard Rock Cafe Denver location. The exterior of the building had some fun details, and of course the iconic Hard Rock Guitar was rotating over top of the front entrance awning.

If you have ever visited a Hard Rock Cafe then you pretty much know the deal inside, they are all setup very similarly. Plenty of tables, fun music, and of course a ton of memorabilia covering every wall.

The first floor was very full during our visit so I quickly headed up to the second floor just to be able to take some photos and really enjoy checking out the rock n’ roll history.

We opted not to have lunch here just because we were more interested in eating somewhere a little more local. Or you know maybe an In n’ Out Burger who knows the options are endless. Before we left however there was one quick stop needed and that was to the Rock Shop.

The pressed penny machine was sitting right out front of the shop. You do not need to be eating here or buy anything to access the machine.

If you have been following along you may have noticed that many of the penny machines we’ve come across so far have not been effected by the price increases we have seen elsewhere in the Country to press a penny. Here at the Hard Rock however their machine did cost $1 plus your approved penny to press. The only problematic thing is that the $1 needs to be paid in quarters. The staff near by where very helpful in making change for me so I could get a set, but just be aware you’re probably better off brining your own quarters and pennies just in case.

This penny set is fantastic. You know me I love a good set of designs that include the location and these even gave us some unique designs just for Denver like the Skyline. I do have a few other Hard Rock Cafe location sets so this will fit right in and I’m anxious to find more.

We have just a couple more stops on this Coloration vacation so stay tuned for the conclusion of this amazing trip over the next few posts. Have a wonderful day and Keep on Pressing!

---

On our second to last day of our Denver trip I had quite a few places still on my to do list and we were going to try and visit as many of them as we could. The first stop and the focus of this post was one I had been looking forward too even before we arrived in Colorado and that was the U.S. Mint.

I have visited the Mint in Philadelphia quite a few years ago and pressed those pennies so I was anxious to get a set from this location to keep that collecting going.

The architecture of the building was beautiful, and the tall pointy fence surrounding it was a bit intimidating. But there was some very import inventory inside this building especially for us collectors, even if they are made out of zinc now a days.

My plan was to take a tour inside the mint, but unfortunately by the time we arrived all the tour tickets had been distributed for the day which was unfortunately. Thankfully all was not lost and we were able to explore the gift shop.

It wasn’t very big inside, however they had quite a selection of coin related merchandise and souvenirs. I even found some t-shirts, and coin storage supplies among other things.

Not to mention quite a few large glass cabinets that had all sorts of uncirculated coin sets, and many different unique coin collections.

Near the check out counter I even found some penny in a bottles. I checked quite a few of them hoping to find a pre-1982 copper, unfortunately there weren’t any too be found. These were still a fun souvenir for our trip so I picked one up anyways to add to my penny in a bottle collection which has slowly been growing recently.

Of course the main event for this visit was the pressed penny machine. It was located just inside the entrance / exit door and is pretty easy to find if you visit here. I loved the vibrant colors of the vinyl wrap on the machine. Plus the machine was still only $0.50 and I was able to press this set on some copper pennies I had brought with me.

I loved this set of penny designs. There was only one for the U.S. Mint that had the building exterior. The other designs included some fun images of Colorado icons like down hill skiing, a buffalo (maybe bison?) and the rocky mountains with the tag line The Mile High Club.

This was a fun and quick visit which actually worked in our favor since we still had a few more places to try and get to this day. Stay tuned for those last few posts as we slowly start to come towards the conclusion of our trip. Thanks for visiting, and as always Keep on Pressing!

---