Here's a question a bit out of the mainstream. Assume that for valid and sufficient reasons one would like to destroy a bunch of coins. Three conditions: 1. It must not be recognizable as a coin anymore (or, as SGS would grade it, XF). So giving it away or selling is not an option. 2. It should be at least marginably profitable, i.e., hammering it into a shapeless lump and throwing it away is not sufficient. 3. Coins are made of cheap metal (no silver or gold to melt and sell). Any ideas?
What do you mean by "marginally profitable"? Melting them down and making a sculpture that you could sell? Dymaxion
I don't think there's any way you can possibly establish rules this sort of activity. Once a coin is purchased, found, etc., it's your coin - if you want to destroy it, for whatever reason, that's your decision... From a numismatic standpoint, a lot of us would find that sad - so then, that's why most of us don't do it. But I've seen all sorts of examples, from elongated buffalos to countermarked wheat pennies - primarily for advertising purposes and events.
Heh, heh, Antidote, I _did_ try the railway way back when I was a kid... lots of fun! And I like the idea of a sculpture, Dymaxion.
Speaking of railways, my dad bought a bag of smashed pennies at an auction a long time ago for really cheap. They are all copper pre-1982 pennies so they should have some value right? How would you sell them for scrap, or can you even do that? Thanks, James
Not meaning to poop the party or anything ('cause we've all done dopey things as kids) but while destroying coins isn't illegal, placing ANYTHING on the railway of an active line is VERY illegal. Just a point to ponder...
Placing coins on railroads is also very dangerous, if the trains hits it the wrong way it could be sent flying as shrapenal. You could unintentionally kill somedody.
Not to mention, there are documented cases of coins being enough to derail a train.....not that it prevented me from flattening a few coins
if a coin is enough to derail a train i think i will continue to take my chances on the highways thank you very much
< What if a driver happens to see your "treasure" and hits the brakes??? > If he is able to stop before he runs over it then he ha some fantastic eyesight. A loaded train, unless it is just CRAWLING, can take anywhere from 200 yards to over a mile to get stopped.
