It has been circulating for 38 years so it comes as no surprise that some of the letters would be worn down. Chris
Yes!! I know of thousands of machines that would happily exchange it for a gum ball. I just don't think you will get a candy bar for it though. It's interesting, but it does not have a collectable premium if that is what you were asking. Sorry
As dies get used more and more (over used), the letters get mushy and spread towards the rim. That plus circulation wear...