This encased coin features 1961 D Lincoln cent COINS & CURRENCY, presided over by Bernard Gimelson PRESIDENT in Philadelphia. The coin IS circulated and made of copper,  The COIN is a great addition to any coin collector's collection, especially those interested in Exonumia. The coin were minted in the United States, adding to their historical significance.  So who was Earl Fankhauser? He was the most prolific creator of encased coins that ever lived. From 1948 to 1965 he had over 650 different encased coins made, covering topics from car dealers (Ford, Plymouth, Rambler, ...), to Presidential campaigns ("I Like Ike", "In '60 it's Lodge with Nixon", "Kennedy/Johnson", ...), to the Boy Scouts, insurance salesmen, drug stores, gas stations, milkmen, ... just about anything you can imagine. One of my favorites was for a fish market. Their slogan was "If you can't make both ends meat, make one fish!"

In about 1954 Fankhauser began "signing" the different pieces he sold. In tiny letters along the bottom rim he put "EARL FANKHAUSER FORT WAYNE 1". Because of this and the vast number of different pieces he sold, his name is well known among collectors.