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NORTHERN MICHIGAN

& UPPER PENINSULA

COINS FOR SALE

 

New page, split from our Michigan page, to give you a better focus on our U.P. and Northern Michigan coins.

Where does “Up North” begin?  For purposes of this page, draw a line from the southern border of Manistee County to the southern border of Iosco County, placing Manistee, Cadillac, West Branch and Tawas City in our northern region (even though we don’t have coins from three of those cities).

Ludington is in the southern/central Michigan section on our Michigan page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you seeing garbled pictures on this page? Click here for solution.

 

 

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We will be reorganizing this page soon to create distinct geographical zones

Maybe I’ll even figure out how to make maps clickable

 

 

 

Northern Michigan

& Upper Peninsula

 

Mackinac Region

 

Indian River

 

NW Michigan/Traverse City Area

 

Lake Huron coast

 

Southern Michigan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NW MICH./

TRAVERSE CITY AREA

 

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SLEEPING BEAR DUNES

NATIONAL LAKESHORE TOKEN

Empire, Michigan

 

 

 

National park token from Sleeping Bear Dunes visitor center.  Both sides shown in photo.

 

 

NP15  $2.99  

 

 

 

 

GREAT WOLF LODGE

Traverse City, Michigan

 

 

 

Complete set of 4 from the popular water park, pressed on zinc cents.  All should be considered “circulated” condition, but we have removed the worst of the lot to sell separately as blemished sets.

 

Designs:

Cherries

Wolf paw

MagiQuest

Character

 

 

MI83z  $10.99  

 

 

 

BLEMISHED SETS

 

Blemished sets – expect some or all of the coins to be heavily circulated condition.  Two sets available.

 

MI83zBL  $4.99  

 

 

 

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BUCKLEY OLD ENGINE SHOW

Buckley, Michigan

 

This massive show of old vehicles, from farm tractors to snowmobiles to trains, operates a single weekend every year.  They have their own penny press, which makes 4 designs.  Complete set of 4 on uncirculated copper cents.

 

 

MI84  $8.99  

 

 

 

 

 

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THE TAFFY BARREL

Charlevoix, Michigan

 

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Set of 4 designs: All are inscribed “Charlevoix Michigan” – sailboats; lighthouse; drawbridge; mushroom house (a style of homes in the city’s historic district).

 

All coins roll short, as shown in the photo.

 

This store suffered fire damage in 2023 and was closed but apparently reopened in summer 2024. 

 

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

MI87   $5.99  

 

 

 

 

MR. BILL’S SHIRT SHOP

Traverse City, Michigan

 

 

Two machines are found at this location.  The second machine has a backstamp.  These machines are a bit erratic, so we were only able to get 3 sets of each for resale.

 

Rolled on copper cents with streaking as if they had been cleaned.  We are marking these as “blemished” as a result.

 

 

 

Set 1: No backstamp

MI80BL  $4.99  

 

 

 

Set 2: with backstamp (you are receiving 4 pennies)

 

 

MI81BL  $4.99  

 

 

 

 

 

GRANDPA SHORTER’S

Petoskey, Michigan

 

 

Complete set of 4, rolled on uncirculated copper cents. 

 

Designs: Building; Gaslight District/antique street lamp; Petoskey Stone; sunset over harbor with lighthouse.

 

MI88   $4.99  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDIAN

RIVER

 

All pressed on uncirulated copper cents

 

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CROSS IN THE WOODS

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Complete set of 4 pennies pressed on copper cents. Cross in the Woods is a religious icon with a massive sculpture created by Michigan favorite Marshall Fredericks (he also designed the Spirit of Detroit statue). The coins all have backstamps.

 

Designs: Cross in the Woods; holy family; prayer; “A guardian angel to watch over you.”

 

#MI53  $4.99 

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BIG BEAR ADVENTURES

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Complete set of 4 from this kayak/tube rental location across from the state park.  Has backstamp.  Copper cents.

 

Designs: Cross in the Woods; Burt Lake/Indian River; Big Bear/Sturgeon River; Big Bear Adventures.  All coins have backstamps with location information.

 

#MI52  $4.99 

 

 

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INDIAN RIVER TRADING POST/ McDONALD’S/ SHELL GAS STATION

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This one-stop store has a machine with a single die featuring an Indian chief’s head.  All coins at this location roll slightly short, cutting off the bottom inscription.  A backstamp reads “Indian River.”

 

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#MI54  $2.99 

 

 

 

 

 

ON INDIAN HEAD PENNY & BIMETAL ECUADOR 100 SUCRES

 

 

Rolled on circulated Indian head penny.  The Indian head of the original penny will be shown on the reverse side; alignment will vary by coin. 

 

MI54i   $4.99      

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rolled on uncirculated Ecuador 100 sucres bimetal coins.  All of these have a cut-off bottom inscription, and are off-center as shown in the representative photo.

 

Mi54ec – $3.99     

 

 

 

 

 

LAKE HURON COAST

 

 

 

GREAT LAKES MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER

Alpena, Michigan

 

A single coin from the machine at the museum.  This was unavailable during the pandemic but restrictions lifted recently.  Both sides shown.

 

 

MI73   $1.49      

 

 

Rolled on bimetal Ecuador 100 sucres.  Gives a fuller roll than pennies.

 

MI73ec –  $2.99      

 

 

LUMBERMAN’S MONUMENT/

DESI’S RESTAURANT

Oscoda, Michigan

 

Complete set of 3 from this monument deep in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.  Designs: monument; River Road Scenic Byway; Huron-Manistee National Forest.  We have these in copper as well as bimetal coins from Ecuador.

 

This machine was moved to Desi’s Restaurant in town. We do not know if that was a permanent move or only seasonal, but is the same set.

 

 

 

MI66   $4.99   addtocart.png   

 

 

Rolled on bimetal Ecuador 100 sucres.  Gives a fuller roll than pennies.

 

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TAWAS POINT STATE PARK

East Tawas, Michigan

 

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After two years of flooding and COVID, the gift shop is open regularly and the penny press became available in late July 2021.  We have complete sets of 4 rolled on uncirculated copper cents that show some signs of patina or minor fingerprints.

 

Designs: Piping Plover (beach bird); “Happy Camper” with camping trailer; Tawas Point lighthouse; Great Lakes Freighter (ship).

 

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BEN FRANKLIN STORE

East Tawas, Michigan

 

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Ben Franklin was a national chain of five and dime stores.  One of its stores survives in East Tawas.

 

This 3-die set has the following designs: Tawas Point Lighthouse; Mackinac Bridge (although Tawas is not near the bridge); Lumbermen's Monument.

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

 

MI68   $3.99   addtocart.gif

 

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MACKINAC REGION

All Mackinaw City coins are pressed on cleaned or on uncirculated cents, as noted in the descriptions.

 

Why is Mackinaw spelled two different ways?  Simple.  It had the French spelling when founded by the French (they shortened the Indian name Michilimackinac to “Mackinac”).  The British used an English spelling, “Mackinaw” – although both are pronounced the same way (ending in “aw”).  The bridge, the county in the U.P., the water Straits, and the island use the French spelling.  Mackinaw City, a Coast Guard ship, and a style of clothing all use the English spelling.

 

 

 

MACKINAC ISLAND

 

 

 

 

 

Always topping the lists of favorite American destinations, Mackinac Island sits in Lake Hurom between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.  Cars are forbidden here, so bicycles and horse-drawn carriages dominate the island.  Even FedEx and Amazon use deliver horses here.

 

Most visitors take a ferry to get here, although private boats and small aircraft can be accomodated.  There is a hardy full-time population on the island even during the harshest winters, but it is primarily a seasonal place to visit.

 

Mackinac Island is technically part of the Upper Peninsula, as it is part of the U.P.’s Mackinac County (county seat: St. Ignace).

 

 

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MACKINAC ISLAND STATE PARKS VISITORS CENTER

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The visitor center is located on Main Street across from Marquette Park below the fort.  Complete set of 4 pressed on cleaned 1974D copper pennies.

 

Designs: Arch Rock; Mackinac Island outline map; “Somewhere in Time” Gazebo; Fort Mackinac.  Backstamp: “Mackinac State Historic Parks” and phone number.

 

#UP07  $4.99  SOLD OUT

 

 

 

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HIGHSTONES FAMILY CLOTHING

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Complete set of 4 from this shop at the Star Line ferry dock.  All coins have backstamps.  Pressed on uncirculated pre-1982 copper cents. 

 

Designs: Star Line Ferry; Mackinac Bridge; horse-drawn carriage; Grand Hotel.  Backstamp: “Mackinac Island”

 

Moved to Mackinaw City – Pharaoh’s Famnily Fun Center – in 2023 or 2024.

 

 

#UP05/MI68   $4.99   BACK IN STOCK

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THE GRAND HOTEL/MISSION POINT RESORT/

PHARAOH’S FUN CENTER (Mackinaw City)

 

 

The most elegant hotel in Michigan had a penny press in its arcade with 3 designs.  Those not staying at the hotel have to pay $10 to enter this area!  In 2021 the machine was moved to the arcade at Mission Point Resort (it was briefly listed as “retired”) and was later reloacted to Pharoah’s Fun Center in Mackinaw City.

 

Pressed on cleaned 1974D copper cents. 

 

Designs: Indian chief; turtle (the name “Mackinac” is an Indian word for turtle); old-time bicycle.  These coins roll slightly short, cutting off the border dots and part of the inscriptions.

 

 

#UP02/MI63  $3.99 

 

 

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ISLAND BOOKSTORE

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This little shop tucked away in a courtyard at the Lilac Tree Hotel has a machine with 4 designs.  This complete set is pressed on cleaned copper cents.

 

Designs: Round Island Lighthouse; Fort Mackinac; Grand Hotel; Mackinac Bridge.

 

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SUTLER’S STORE

AT FORT MACKINAC

Mackinac Island, Michigan

 

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Complete set of 4 from the gift shop inside the fort.  You have to pay to get to the island, and pay again to get into the fort.

 

UP04   $5.99   addtocart.png   

 

 

LOON FEATHER

Mackinac Island, Michigan

 

 

 

A new 8-die machine on Mackinac Island – northern Michigan’s first pre-loaded zinc machine.  How special for all of us.  This set is not available on copper – only zinc.

 

UP03   $13.99      

 

 

SURREY HILLS CARRIAGE MUSEUM

Mackinac Island, Michigan

 

There are two 1-die machines in the retail area of the museum; we are selling them separately.

 

Carriage design: UP38   $1.49      

 

 

 

SURREY HILLS CARRIAGE MUSEUM

Mackinac Island, Michigan

 

Mackinac Bridge design: UP39   $1.49      

 

 

Mackinac Bridge design on Ecuador bimetal coin:

UP39ec   $2.99     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. IGNACE

 

 

 

St. Ignace is the northern terminus of the Mackinac Bridge and (until summer 2024)  one of two locations for catching the Mackinac Island ferry. For most, it is their gateway into the Upper Peninsula, where the terrain suddenly changes, Paul Bunyan is revered, and chain stores and restaurants are fairly scarce.

 

You will see that it is common to feature the Mackinac Bridge in northern Michigan sets, and an outline map of the Upper Peninsula in U.P sets

Check the backstamps and you can see that they are distinctly different coins, though

 

 

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MYSTERY SPOT

 

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Another legendary tourist attraction, its billboards used to be plastered all across Michigan.  There are 4 designs at this machine, all with backstamps.

 

Designs: Mystery Spot with Upper Peninsula map; Mackinac Bridge; My Lucky Penny; Mystery Spot logo.

 

#UP13/MI77  $4.99  addtocart.gif

ONE SET LEFT

 

 

 

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DEER RANCH

 

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Complete set of 4 design from this tourist spot on US 2.  All pressed on copper cents, with backstamps. 

 

Designs: Running deer logo (as featured on attraction’s sign); Mackinac Bridge; Upper Peninsula outline map; fawn.

 

#UP10/MI74  $4.99  addtocart.gif

 

 

 

 

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CURIO FAIR

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St. Ignace is filled with seasonal tourist gift shops.  This one has a machine with 4 designs, and all feature backstamps with the store’s name and information.

 

Designs: Mackinac Bridge; Curio Fair building; Upper Peninsula outline map; St. Helena lighthouse.

 

#UP08/MI71  $4.99  addtocart.gif

 

 

 

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INDIAN VILLAGE

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A single-die machine has been available for years at this favorite longstanding gift shop.  Rolls short, cutting off part of the design and inscription. 

 

#UP11/MI75  $1.49  SOLD OUT

 

 

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KEWADIN CASINO

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This casino north of town is one of several operated by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  This is the only one of their casinos with a penny press.  Complete set of 4 designs pressed on copper.

 

Designs: Kewadin logo; My Lucky Penny; slot machine; Mackinac Bridge.  All have backstamps with the casino's phone number.

 

#UP12/MI76  $4.99  addtocart.gif

 

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KEWADIN CASINO

logo on bimetal Ecuador coin

St. Ignace

 

We rolled just a couple of these on our most recent trip – just the logo coin from our Kewadin set (set #UP12, available on our Michigan page) – but rolled on an uncirculated Ecuador 100 sucres bimetal coin.

 

 

UP12.1ec   $2.99   SOLD OUT 

 

 

 

 

SOUVENIR BARN

 

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Another gift shop;complete set of 4 designs pressed on copper cents, with backstamp.

 

Designs: Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage; Upper Peninsula outline map; Edmund Fitzgerald lake freighter; Mackinac Bridge.

 

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CASTLE ROCK

 

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The legendary tourist attraction has one machine with 4 dies.  Despite other reports, there is not a second (1-die) machine at this location.  This complete set of 4 is pressed on uncirculated copper cents.  Al the coins have a backstamp. 

 

Designs: Castle Rock; Upper Peninsula map outline with St. Ignace designated on map; Mackinac Bridge; Up North Michigan with moose.

 

#UP09/MI72  $4.99  addtocart.gif

 

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CASTLE ROCK WOODEN NICKEL

 

 

UP-WN03   $3.00  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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STAR LINE FERRY DOCK

St. Ignace, Michigan

 

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A set of four from one of the ferry docks in St. Ignace.  An identical set is found at a dock on Mackinac Island.

 

Designs: Hydro-Jet boat; Mackinac Bridge; horse-drawn carriage on Mackinac Island; Catamaran boat. 

 

The picture shows 5 coins, but you will receive 4 - all pennies have a backstamp with the company’s website address. 

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

The ferry company changed hands and names in 2024.  They also suspended all operations from their St. Ignace docks.  We do not know if these pennies have been retired as a result.

 

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MACKINAW CITY

 

 

This quaint city is the southern terminus of the Mackinac Bridge, and the northernmost point in the lower peninsula.  Before the bridge was built in 1957, the city was packed with tourists waiting overnight for their appointed time to load their cars onto ferries to cross the 5-mile Straits of Mackinac so they could reach the Upper Peninsula.  Visitors to Mackinac Island would stay here, and were transported by the railroads from the population centers in Detroit, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Flint, and elsewhere.  Alas, the railroads are gone, as are the ferries crossing the straits.

 

 

 

 

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FORT FUDGE SHOP

 

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Located across from Fort Michilimackinac, and next to the separately-owned Fort Gift Shop & Candy Kitchen.  Complete set of 4, with backstamps.  Uncirculated copper cents.

 

Designs: Fort Michilimackinac blockhouse; Mackinaw Point lighthouse; U.S. Coast Guard ship Mackinaw; Mackinac Bridge.

 

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FORT GIFT SHOP & CANDY KITCHEN

 

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Located across from Fort Michilimackinac, and next to the independently-owned Fort Fudge Shop.  Entrances are on N. Louvigny and on Straits Avenue, making it easy to reach both “Fort”-named shops in a single stop.

 

Complete set of 4.  Uncirculated copper cents.

 

Designs: “North Michigan” Bigfoot; Fort Michilmackinac; Mackinac Bridge; Old Mackinaw Lighthouse.

 

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MAMA MIA’S PIZZA

 

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Complete set of 3 coins pressed on cleaned 1974D copper cents. 

 

Above this location is a free museum about the contruction of the Mackinac Bridge and honoring the ironworkers who made it happen.

 

Designs: Grand Hotel; Mackinac Bridge; Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage.  They roll a bit short, cutting off border dots but not the artwork.

 

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A CAT’S GRIN TOURIST TRAP

A rare dime pressing

 

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A gift shop that proudly embraces the “tourist trap” label!  The machine has a Dime-n-Mine machine that produces an elongated dime.  This machine has been around forever, and it typically rolls short (as shown in the sample photo).  This is the only machine in the Mackinac region that rolls anything other than pennies.  Design: Mackinac Bridge.

 

Pressed on AU American dimes.

 

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MARSHALL’S FUDGE SHOP

 

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This fudge shop has a single-die machine.  Pressed on uncirculated 1974D copper penny; may have minor fingerprint marks.

 

Design: What else? Mackinac Bridge, without a backstamp. 

 

This machine was moved to Tropic North in St. Ignace in summer 2020, and retured to Marshall’s Fudge Shop in 2022..

 

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MYSTERY TOWN USA

Mackinaw City, Michigan

 

An unfortunate internet rumor declared this attraction permanently closed.  Thankfully, it is still open.  The 4 pennies (featuring an alien, Bigfoot, a mermaid, and the Loch Ness monster) were our most popular from last year’s trip and sold out within a few weeks.  We stocked up on more this time around.  Uncirculated copper cents.

 

With backstamps – you will receive 4 pennies.

 

#MI61 - $4.99

 

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O’BRIEN’S TREASURE CHEST GIFT SHOP

 

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The gift shop has a 4-die machine, and a backstamp that features the store’s identifying information. 

 

Designs: Mackinac Island ferry kicking up a roostertail; Mackinac Bridge; Ft. Michilimackinac; Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage.

 

Pressed on cleaned 1974D copper cents.

 

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CANDY CORNER/WINDJAMMER GIFT SHOP

 

This shop has two machines, side-by-side.  A newer 4-die machine (set #MI64) features the Grand Hotel; Fort Michilimackinac; Mackinac Bridge; and Upper Peninsula map outline.  All coins from this machine include a backstamp with the store’s name. 

 

 

 

Set of 4: Designs: Grand Hotel; Fort Michilimackinac; Mackinac Bridge; Upper Peninsula map.  With Candy Corner backstamp.

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The second machine is a single-die machine (set #MI65) that has been around for decades – and the rough surface of the pressed coins sure looks like it.  It has a map of Michigan on the front, and a backstamp with “Mackinaw City.”  These are pressed on cleaned copper cents and may show signs of streaking or fingerprints. 

 

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COLONIAL FORT MICHILIMACKINAC

Mackinaw City, Michigan

 

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This reconstructed French fort has featured penny presses off-and-on over the years.  In 2021, it’s on again with this 4-die set.

 

Designs: Old Mackinac Point lighthouse; Fort Mackinac (on Mackinac Island); Colonial Michilimackinac; Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park.

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

 

MI86   $4.99  

 

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MIND THRILL ESCAPE ROOM

Mackinaw City, Michigan

 

 

 

Complete set of 4 rolled on copper.  This machine was installed in 2021.  We call it the “Mind Thrill” set based on what PennyCollector calls it, but this is actually a complex of tourist attractions in Mackinaw Crossings featuring an arcade, axe-throwing, escape rooms, and more.  Designs: Spy Quest; Mind Thrill; Mackin Axe; and Mighty Mac (Mackinac Bridge).  This machine does not have backstamps.

 

MI63   $4.99     

 

 

 

 

PHARAOH’S FUN CENTER

Mackinaw City, Michigan

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The most elegant hotel in Michigan had a penny press in its arcade with 3 designs.  Those not staying at the hotel have to pay $10 to enter this area!  In 2021 the machine was moved to the arcade at Mission Point Resort (it was briefly listed as “retired”).  In 2023 or 2024, it was moved to an arcade in Mackinaw City.

 

Pressed on cleaned 1974D copper cents. 

 

Designs: Indian chief; turtle (the name “Mackinac” is an Indian word for turtle); old-time bicycle.  These coins roll slightly short, cutting off the border dots and part of the inscriptions.

 

 

#UP02/MI63  $3.99 

 

 

 

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BARGAIN BARN -N- CARAMEL CORN SHOPS

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Complete set of 4.  Uncirculated copper cents; may show minor fingerprint marks.

 

Designs: “Up North Michigan” Bigfoot; Michigan lower peninsula “Great Lakes Unsalted”; Chief Wawatam; Mackinac Island ferries.

 

You will notice three coins from various locations featuring Bigfoot.  The Bigfoot craze is rather recent; he was not a factor in Michigan mythology when I was young (you were far more likley to hear about Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox).  I figure this type of legend is good for business, and like all legends someone has to make up the story before others can sell it.

 

This store closed in 2022 or 2023, and the machine is no longer available.

 

#MI55 $9.99  LIMITED NUMBER BACK IN STOCK

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Mackinac Bridge Wooden Nickel

2 varieties

 

From Castle Rock in St. Ignace.  This variation has a border ring around the Indian head.

 

UP-WN01 (with border ring)   $3.00 

 

 

 

From Fort Gift Shop in Mackinaw City.  This variation has a different Indian head without a border ring around the Indian side

 

UP-WN02 (without border ring)   $3.00 

 

 

 

 

Mackinac Bridge/Fort Michilimackinac

Mackinaw City token

2 variations

 

From Fort Gift Shop in Mackinaw City.  Each is 1-1/16 inches in diameter

 

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MI-TK04   Aluminum $2.75   

 

 

 

 

 

UPPER PENINSULA

Nearly all the coins have backstamps.  All are pressed on uncirculated pre-1982 copper pennies unless noted.

 

We have run out of numbers for Michigan coins!  We are now listing Upper Peninsula coins with the prefix “UP,” and are converting the numbering system for our older offerings from “MI” to “UP.”  We will include the old MI reference number (for those that had them) to help you avoid making duplicate purchases.

 

See separate listings below for Mackinac Island and St. Ignace

 

 

 

 

SOUTH U.P. ALONG LAKE MICHIGAN

 

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PALMS BOOK STATE PARK

Manistique, Michigan

 

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This popular park is home to the best known spring-fed pond in the state, Kitch-iti-kipi Springs.  .

 

Designs: “BIG SPRING” words (no artwork); tour boat with “Big Spring - Kitch-iti-kipi”; trout; U.P. map with star for location of park.

 

All the coins have a backstamp with gift shop information, as shown in the photo.  You are purchasing a set of 4 coins.

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

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FAYETTE HISTORIC STATE PARK

Fayette, Michigan

 

The gift shop at this historic Lake Michigan site of pig-iron manufacturing has a 4-die penny press in its gift shop.  The machine was unavailable in 2020 but has been brough back out for summer 2021.

 

Designs: U.P. map with “Yooper-Land”; Shelton House Hotel; Furnace Complex; Superintendent’s House.

 

All the coins roll with the design shifted to the left (see photo for representative samples).

 

 

 

UP23   $4.99   SOLD OUT

 

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GARLYN ZOOLOGICAL PARK

Naubinway, Michigan

 

Set of 4 from the gift shop, pressed on uncirculated copper cents.  Designs: ring-tailed lemur; alligator & tortoise; black bear; U.P. map.

 

Bottom photo shows the backstamp – you will receive 4 pennies.

 

There is a second machine in the zoo; we hope to have this stocked in July 2021.

 

#UP20/MI84 - $4.99

 

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TOP OF THE LAKE SNOWMOBILE MUSEUM

Naubinway, Michigan

 

Complete set of 4, pressed on uncirculated copper cents.  Designs: snowmobile; fishing boat; U.S. flag; U.P. map.  No backstamps on this set. 

 

Some coins in these sets show streaking similar to that found when cleaned pennies are used.  No backstamps on these sets.

 

#UP21/MI85 - $4.99

 

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NORTHERN U.P. ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR

 

It’s remote:

Detroit to New York City: 614 miles

Detroit to Des Moines: 600 miles

Detroit to Montreal: 559 miles

Detroit to Washington DC: 520 miles

Detroit to Ironwood in U.P.: 599 miles

 

Ironwood is farther west (by longitude) than New Orleans, and both are in the central time zone (Detroit is in the eastern time zone)

 

 

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GLASS BOTTOM SHIPWRECK TOURS

Munising, Michigan

 

Complete set of 4, pressed on uncirculated copper cents – limited number of sets due to machine issues.  Bottom photo shows the backstamp – you will receive 4 pennies.

 

#UP24/MI88 - $4.99

ONLY 5 SETS AVAILABLE

 

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COUNTRY VILLAGE

Copper Harbor, Michigan

 

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Copper Harbor is at the northernmost tip of mainland Michigan (a latitude beaten only by Michigan’s island national park, Isle Royale).  This 4-die set features scenes familiar to the U.P.’s farthest reach:  Brockway Mountain Flyway (with eagle); Michigan’s Oldest Lighthouse; Fort Wilkins State Park with cannon; and U.P. map inscribed “Top of the World.”

 

You will receive 4 pennies.  The photo also shows the backstamp common to each coin.

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

 

UP30   $5.99  

 

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SURPLUS OUTLET

Houghton, Michigan

 

Complete set of 4, pressed on uncirculated copper cents.  Designs: Quincy Mine; lift bridge at Houghton & Hancock; U.P. map (note – although the U.P. map is a common design at multiple locations, each is a unique design); Up North moose.

 

Bottom photo shows the backstamp – you will receive 4 pennies.

 

#UP28/MI92 - $5.99

 

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PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS

Silver City, Michigan

 

 

One of Michigan’s most beautiful places has a gift shop at its eastern end with 4 designs.  This park is so big it straddles two time zones.

 

Designs: “I Love You – Porcupine Mountains”; mountain climber; skier; black bear.

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

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BOND FALLS/PAULDING

 

Bond Falls is a large waterfall in the western U.P.  Although the falls are owned by the local public utility, the observation area is run as a state park.  The nearest community is Paulding (some listings say Bruce Crossing, but those are erroneous).  Paulding itself has quite a history – for decades mysterious lights appeared over the roadway, leading to all kinds of fantastic conspiracies.  A group of college students recently claimed they solved the mystery, but I won’t spoil the fun for you.

 

Two businesses in the area have penny presses: the Paulding General Store, and Bond Falls Outpost.  The falls and the mysterious lights are the theme for these coins.  The two locations share three identical designs. 

 

We have a limited number of sets available.  We are only able to sell them as complete sets – in the future we may offer just the 5 unique coins, but not this year.

 

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Paulding General Store – Designs: Paulding Lights; Bond Falls; Casper the Ghost with a lantern; scared old man with a lantern (only available at this location). 

 

copper.jpg   UP35  $5.99  OUT OF STOCK 

 

 

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Bond Falls Outpost – Designs: Paulding Lights; Bond Falls; Casper the Ghost with a lantern; Bond Falls Outpost (only available at this location).

 

All these sets were pressed on cleaned copper cents

 

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COPPER WORLD

Calumet, Michigan

 

Complete set of 4, pressed on uncirculated copper cents.  Designs: Eagle Harbor lighthouse; Calumet Theatre; Portage lift bridge; Quincy Mine.

 

Bottom photo shows the backstamp – you will receive 4 pennies.

 

#UP29/MI93 - $5.99

 

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QUINCY MINE HOIST ASSOCIATION

Hancock, Michigan

 

Complete set of 4, pressed on uncirculated copper cents.  Designs: drilling for ore; 1908 shaft house; scenic cograil tram (one of only two operating cog rail locomotives in the U.S.); U.P. map.

 

Some coins in these sets show streaking similar to that found when cleaned pennies are used.  Bottom photo shows the backstamp – you will receive 4 pennies.

 

Federal historic site.

 

Copper was discovered in the Keweenaw Peninsula in 1844, marking the first mining rush in America.  While iron ore rules the main part of the U.P. (notably from Marquette westward), Copper was king in the Keweenaw.

 

#UP27/MI91 - $5.99

 

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PICTURED ROCK CRUISES

Munising, Michigan

 

Complete set of 4, pressed on uncirculated copper cents – limited number of sets due to machine issues.  Bottom photo shows the backstamp – you will receive 4 pennies.

 

 

#UP25/MI89 - $4.99

ONLY 3 SETS REMAIN

 

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SUNDAE IN THE PARK

FORT WILKINS STATE PARK

Copper Harbor, Michigan

602 miles from Detroit

 

Complete set of 3, pressed on uncirculated copper cents.  Designs: Copper Harbor lighthouse; Fort Wilkins State Park/cannon; Bear.  No backstamps.

 

Reportedly retired.  We’re holding the original price for now.

 

#UP31/MI95 - $4.99

 

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FORT WILKINS – COPPER HARBOR –

SUNDAE IN THE PARK

PRESSED ON STEEL CENTS

 

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Even though this is Copper Country, I pressed some sets on cleaned steel pennies.  The front is fully cleaned; the back is uncleaned and shows the 1943 date.  Both sides have been sprayed with a thin clear topcoat (matte finish) to prevent moisture damage in ordinary use (but don’t soak these in water!).

 

Reportedly retired.  We’re holding the original price for now.

 

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GREAT LAKES GIFTS

Sault Ste. Marie (the “Soo”), Michigan

 

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Single coin from a 1-die machine.  This item has been out of stock in our catalog for more than a year, but we have restocked the item.  It still rolls short (see picture for representative example) as it has since my childhood.  In the U.P., some things never change.

 

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TAHQUAMENON FALLS

Uncirculated 1974D copper cents except as shown

These coins are pressed on uncirculated 1974D copper pennies. They may show minor fingerprint marks.

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LOWER FALLS GIFT SHOP

(TAHQUAMENON TREASURES)

 

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Complete set of 4 from the gift shop at the lower falls.  Uncirculated copper cents.  May show minor fingerprints.  With backstamps featuring the store name.

 

Designs: Lower Tahquamenon Falls; Upper Peninsula map/”A Little Piece of Paradise”; moose; bear.

 

The Lower Falls area is being renovated in 2022 to build new restaurants and shops.  The old gift shop and the penny press are gone during this process.

 

#UP16/MI80  $4.99  OUT OF STOCK

 

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UPPER FALLS GIFT SHOP

 

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Complete set of 4 from the gift shop at the lower falls.  Uncirculated copper cents. May show minor fingerprints.  With backstamps advertising “Camp 33 Tahquamenon Brewery.”

 

Designs: Upper Peninsula map/”Paradise”; moose/”Moose Capital Newberry MI”; Upper Falls; Mackinac Bridge.

 

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TAHQUAMENON FALLS BREWERY

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Complete set of 3 from the private microbrewery and restaurant in the park.  All coins roll short and are pressed on uncirculated zinc pennies (a failed attempt to avoid the short-rolling).

 

Designs: moose/”Upper Falls”; brewery logo; bear/”Lower Falls.”

 

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Zinc pennies

 

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TAHQUAMENON FALLS BREWERY

Newberry, Michigan

 

NOW ON COPPER! 

 

 

 

We previously only had this set in zinc.  They still roll short.  Our prior sets on zinc with fuller rolls are still available on the Michigan page.

 

 

UP18   $3.99  

 

 

 

SOUTHERN MICHIGAN:

 

 

 

 

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New 9/2/2024

Revised 9/2/2024

© James McNally

 

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