NNP

An encased coin is a coin – most often a U.S. cent - that has been set into a metal holder, usually aluminum, which was struck around the coin using dies. The holder typically carries advertising, a commemorative message, or a “good luck” slogan, while the coin itself is locked in place as part of the striking process. Encased coins first appeared around 1899 and were commonly used in the early to mid-20th century by merchants, events, and organizations as advertising pieces, souvenirs, or pocket charms. Because the coin was struck in place, an original encased coin will hold the coin tightly, with no gap between the coin and the holder.

The number of such issues in the U.S. is well into the tens of thousands, and the researcher James Lawniczak has put order to the chaos with his release of comprehensive references on encased coins of Michigan, Ohio and New York, numbering over 4,000 issues in total.

Link to James Lawniczak’s references on encased coins: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/booksbyauthor/557736