Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 6/12/2005

Question
Are encased cents still being produced? Will you please provide me with a wholesalers name as I'm interested in purchasing them as party favors/souvenirs with my husband's company stamped on them.Thank you...Vicki

Answer
Hello, Vicki, thanks for the message.  Mintage Masters was making encased pieces up to about 3 years ago or so then they sold out to the Northern Mint.  They were at 800-236-3117, website www.northernmint.com.  However, I just heard about a month ago that they went out of business.  Haven't confirmed but think the report was reliable.

That leaves two possibilities now that I know of.  The Charleston Mint makes an encased cent mirror with advertising.  Then I just heard last Friday that the Penny Press Mint out of Utah is going to be getting into the business.  This information came from the Internet encased club: http://www.encasedcollectorsinternational.org/

I don't think they are making them yet, but information should be at the eci website referred to above.  I think information about the Charleston Mint is also there.

Good luck, let me know if I can help further, Jim Lawniczak