Penny Floor - A Creative Look At Coin Craft

Table of Contents

• The Penny's Changing Place
• Why is the Penny Changing Its Tune?
• Are All Pennies Created Equal?
• A Special Design - The Union Shield Penny Floor
• What is a Penny Floor Anyway?
• Planning Your Penny Floor Project
• Getting Ready for Your Penny Floor
• Installing Your Penny Floor - Tips and Tricks

The Penny's Changing Place

The little copper coin we've known for generations, the penny, is seeing some big shifts. The folks in charge, the federal government that is, have taken a first move to stop making those little copper coins. It seems, too it's almost, that this decision comes about because of a rather simple, yet very compelling, reason. This move, in a way, marks a pretty significant shift, pulling back from something that has been a part of our daily lives for quite a long time, more than two centuries, actually.

For a good many years, for 233 years to be precise, the penny has been a familiar sight in pockets and coin jars all across the land. This change, really, means a tradition that has lasted for so very long is now coming to an end. It's a little bit like saying goodbye to an old friend, one that has been around for countless transactions and quite a few childhood piggy banks. The idea of these coins not being made anymore, you know, makes some people think about what else we can do with them, giving them a new purpose, a second life.

And that's where something pretty interesting comes into the picture: the idea of a penny floor. It's a rather clever way to use these coins, giving them a whole new job after their time in circulation might be winding down. This kind of project takes those humble little coins and turns them into something quite striking, a surface that tells a story, perhaps, of all the hands they've passed through. It’s a very creative way to keep a piece of history, so to speak, right under your feet.

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Why is the Penny Changing Its Tune?

You might wonder, why would the powers that be decide to stop making a coin that has been around for so very long? Well, the answer, it turns out, is quite a practical one, a matter of simple economics, you could say. The cost of putting one of those little coins into existence has gone up quite a bit, actually. It costs more than twice what the coin is worth on its face, which, you know, doesn't make much sense when you think about it.

The department that looks after the nation's money, the Treasury department, has said they will gradually stop the making of new pennies sometime soon. This decision, it seems, has been in the works for a little while, as the cost of producing these coins has become more and more of a burden. It’s like, you know, spending two cents to make one cent, which isn't a good way to run things, financially speaking.

This situation, where the cost of making a penny is so much higher than its actual value, has led to this step. It's a pretty straightforward decision when you look at the numbers, even though it marks the end of a very long-standing practice. The goal, naturally, is to be more sensible with public money, and this change, in some respects, helps achieve that aim.

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Are All Pennies Created Equal?

Even with all this talk about pennies stopping production, it's worth remembering that not every single one of these coins is just a simple one-cent piece. There are, apparently, some pennies out there that hold a much greater worth than their face value, a value that coin collectors, for example, really appreciate. A well-known resource for coin enthusiasts has put together a collection of the most sought-after US pennies, including the older Indian Head cents and the Lincoln cents, using a vast collection of coin details and their worth.

These particular coins, the ones that are considered quite special, are often prized for various reasons, perhaps because of their age, their condition, or even a particular mark from the mint where they were made. It's a little bit like finding a treasure, you know, in a pile of ordinary things. Some of these older coins, especially the Indian Head cents, which came before the Lincoln design, are quite popular with those who enjoy gathering historical money pieces.

The Lincoln cents, too, have their own share of valuable examples, with certain years or variations being much more desirable to collectors. So, while the everyday penny might be on its way out of regular production, some of its ancestors, so to speak, will continue to be quite important and valuable in the world of coin collecting. It just goes to show, sometimes the smallest things can hold the biggest surprises, especially when it comes to old money.

A Special Design - The Union Shield Penny Floor

Among the many different kinds of pennies, there's one design that's relatively recent, yet quite distinct. The Union Shield design, on the back side of the penny, first appeared in 2010. This particular look for the coin's reverse was part of a series of designs that celebrated Abraham Lincoln's life and his contribution to the nation. It's a very symbolic image, representing the unity of the country.

When you're thinking about a penny floor, the type of penny you use can actually make a big difference in the overall look. The Union Shield design, with its clear lines and its depiction of strength and togetherness, can add a unique visual element to a floor made of coins. It's just one example of how the specific details on each penny can contribute to the larger artistic pattern you're creating.

So, if you're collecting coins for a penny floor project, you might want to consider mixing and matching different designs, including the Union Shield, to create an even more interesting and varied surface. It's all about how the individual pieces come together to form a bigger picture, really, and the Union Shield pennies can certainly play a part in that.

What is a Penny Floor Anyway?

Have you ever seen a floor that truly stops you in your tracks, something so out of the ordinary that you just have to take a closer look? Well, a floor made entirely of pennies is definitely one of those things. It's a pretty striking sight, actually, and quite a conversation starter. People are often quite amazed when they realize what they're walking on, that is, hundreds, if not thousands, of little copper coins.

Imagine, if you will, a floor surface where each tiny coin is laid out, one by one, to form a truly remarkable pattern. One example involved about 7,500 pennies, arranged in a way that created a truly lovely, almost artistic, design. It's not just a floor; it's a piece of art that you can walk on, a very personal touch to any room.

With a good number of copper pennies, some clear coating material, and just a little bit of patience, you can make a truly beautiful, custom floor covering. This kind of floor, surprisingly, won't cost you a fortune in materials, especially considering the unique look it provides. It’s a way to get a high-end appearance without the high-end price tag, which is pretty neat, if you ask me.

Planning Your Penny Floor Project

Before you even think about heading out, perhaps to the bank, to gather your coins, you're going to want to spend a little time with some calculations. It’s just a little bit of figuring, really, but it helps quite a lot. Knowing how many pennies you'll need is a pretty big first step, and that depends on the size of the area you plan to cover. You'll want to measure your space carefully, figuring out the square footage, so you can get a good estimate of the coin count.

Think about the pattern you want to create, too. Will the pennies all face the same way, or will you alternate heads and tails? Will you arrange them in straight lines, or perhaps in a more intricate design, like a herringbone or a spiral? These choices, you know, will affect not only the look but also how many coins you might need and how much time the placement will take. A little bit of drawing or sketching your ideas beforehand can really help you visualize the final result.

Consider the color variations of the pennies as well. Some will be shiny and new, while others will have that lovely, aged copper look. Deciding if you want a uniform color or a mix of light and dark can influence how you sort and prepare your coins. This early planning, in a way, sets the stage for the entire project and helps avoid surprises later on. It’s about thinking through the details before you start the hands-on work.

Getting Ready for Your Penny Floor

Once you have a general idea of your plan, it’s time to get your materials together. The most obvious material, of course, is the pennies themselves. You’ll need to find enough of them, and depending on your desired look, you might want to gather a mix of shiny, new ones and those that have a bit of a worn, tarnished appearance. Some folks, apparently, even go through the trouble of soaking certain coins to get a particular aged effect, which can add a lot of character to the floor.

The surface you're putting the pennies on needs to be ready, too. It should be clean, dry, and quite level, otherwise, your penny floor might not sit properly or look its best. Any bumps or dips underneath will show through, so taking the time to prepare the base is a really important step. This might mean cleaning the existing floor thoroughly or even putting down a new, smooth underlayment.

Then there’s the clear coating material, often called epoxy. This is what holds the pennies in place and gives the floor its durable, shiny finish. You'll want to make sure you have enough of this, and that it's the right kind for flooring. Reading the instructions for the epoxy carefully is a pretty good idea, as different types might have different mixing and application requirements. Having all your tools and materials ready before you start laying coins will make the process go much more smoothly.

Installing Your Penny Floor - Tips and Tricks

Putting down a penny floor is a unique kind of project, different from laying regular tiles or other floor coverings. There are a few things to keep in mind, so here are some ideas for putting in a penny floor yourself. If you’re thinking about doing this kind of floor, you're going to want to read up on some practical advice, as it can save you a lot of trouble later on. It’s not just about sticking coins down; there's a bit of an art to it.

One key thing is to make sure your surface is completely prepared, as mentioned earlier. A clean, flat base is really quite important for a good outcome. Then, when you start placing the pennies, you’ll want to use a strong adhesive that will keep them firmly in place before the final clear coating goes on. Some people use a special kind of glue or even a thin layer of mortar, depending on the look they are going for. It’s about making sure each coin is secure and doesn't shift around.

Spacing the pennies evenly is another thing to think about. You can butt them right up against each other for a very dense look, or leave a tiny gap, which might be filled with grout or just the clear coating. This choice, in a way, changes the overall texture and appearance of the floor. It’s also a good idea to work in small sections, especially when applying the adhesive, so it doesn't dry out before you can place all your coins. Taking your time, you know, really pays off with this kind of work.

Once all the pennies are in place and the adhesive has dried, the next big step is applying the clear epoxy. This is what protects the coins and gives the floor its smooth, finished surface. You'll want to apply this in even layers, making sure there are no bubbles and that every coin is fully covered. This part can be a bit tricky, and sometimes it takes more than one layer to get a truly flat and shiny finish. Letting each layer dry completely before adding the next is a pretty important rule to follow.

It's interesting to note that the folks who provide technical assistance for these kinds of projects get quite a few calls every day, asking about how to best put down penny floors. This just goes to show that while it seems simple, there are always questions that come up during the process. Getting advice from those who know a lot about these materials can be really helpful. Knowing when to ask for help, or looking up answers, can make your project much more successful, ensuring your penny floor looks just as you imagined.