Penny Press

Pickup Location: Bainbridge Island - Central

Condition: Used - Good

Crushes a penny and will imprint either Puget Sound or Burning Man on the penny

Height: 54 in. tall on wheels

I brought the masher to Burning Man in 2013. It was the first penny masher seen on the playa. There were (Are) two playa-themed patterns, one a generic Burning Man pattern, the other a Barbie Death Village pattern. The third pattern is a Puget Sound theme.

In subsequent years, others brought penny mashers to the playa, to the point that in mid- to later 2010's, there was a theme camp dedicated to penny mashing. Well and good, but this masher was the first. Kept hungry Black Rock City citizens entertained during the annual BDV pancake porkout.

The company is still in business, and still making the masher. Further, there's one empty space left on the original die ring, so a buyer could come up with their own custom design. Or get a new die ring, if they so desire. A friend also made a plexiglass shield for it so it can be made somewhat safe.

Between 2013 and my last trip to the playa in 2017, I'd estimate no less than 2,000 pennies mashed for Burning Man per year. Mostly made into necklaces and earrings, they're present world-wide.

If someone wants a piece of Burning Man history, this penny masher is just the thing.

Buyer is responsible for people, equipment and cost need to move item

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