The first US elongateds were rolled in 1893 at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.  Over the next few decades, entrepreneurs appeared with their dies and rolling machines at many fairs and expositions, eager to provide visitors with an inexpensive and unique souvenir. In the 1950s, after assurances from the U.S. Treasury that elongating US coins is perfectly legal, individuals such as the late Frank Brazzell (the “FB” noted on many elongateds still being rolled today) created their own dies and rolling machines, established themselves over the next 30 or so years as particularly devoted elongated fans, and built astonishing catalogs of elongateds, not to mention a nationwide network of friends.

In the late 1980s, a further expansion of the hobby occurred when customer operated rolling machines began appearing at amusement parks, museums, zoos, and other attractions.  All of which brings us to today when a few rare elongateds command high prices, but most remain one of the least expensive and most unique collectibles available.

Ted's new to the game and most enjoys elongateds when he is removing them their archival flips -- he's nuts for plastic.  I, on the other hand, have been collecting since the mid-1980s and have opposable thumbs.  So, if you have questions about elongateds or this website, please email me, not Ted.  Meanwhile, if you aren't yet a member of The Elongated Collectors (TEC), be sure to click on "Join TEC!" while you're here!