An "Encased Coin" is a coin, frequently a cent, that has been forcibly inserted into an aluminum blank or an encasement of other composition.  Encased coins are classified as a token. Tokens include, but are not limited to love tokens, encased tokens, elongated cents, and trade or advertising tokens. Holders the coins are encased in can come in various shapes and images. They can be made of different metal compositions, but the most common is aluminum. Some coins are sold in sets and encased and they either snapped open or have screws to remove. These are used for display or award purposes. Some coins are encased in ‘hard slabs’ after being ‘certified’ by a reputable grading company. You can find Encased Collectors International at http://www.encasedcollectorsinternational.org/.

Coins can also be embedded in acrylic or lucite. Generally these are used as paperweights, pen holders, timers, letter openers, ashtrays, cup holders, or keychains. Some are recognition awards, or other acknowledgements. The idea is to have the coin (or coins) appear to be floating. Coins can also be embedded in jewelry.

Some coins are “converted” to jewelry such as rings, and some are “distorted” such as elongated coins. Click for a Pressed Coin Guide To Disney Coins.

The production of elongated coins can be divided into three general classes, each of which covers a distinct period from 1893 to the present. The first of the three classes are referred to colloquially as "oldies", and were produced mainly for issuance at nationwide fairs like the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exhibition. The second class of elongated coins, the "Modern Elongateds", cover the years c. 1965 to c. 1985. Around 1965, the major source of elongated coins became private rollers, individuals that designed and rolled elongated coins for sale. While many private rollers still operate, the vast introduction of commercial stand alone elongated machines came into the marketplace in 1988, following the introduction of the coin-operated penny press machine 1971, decreased the demand for private issues. This event marks the beginning of the third class of elongated coins, the "Contemporary Elongateds" (c. 1988 – present). This class of elongated coin machines were designed and built by Randy and Earl Vaughn from Dayton, Ohio in 1988. These mechanical coin-operated machines are still prominent in amusement parks such as Disney Resorts and attractions throughout North America and the world.

The hobby of collecting elongated coins (tokens) has expanded most modern coin elongating machines can be found in museums or landmark gift shops, souvenir stores, zoos, amusement parks and other locations of this kind. Private engravers make special-issue elongated coins to commemorate historical events, personal landmarks (such as marriage or birth of a child), or other events warranting celebration. They also design elongated coins for private clubs and organizations.

Some collectors and dealers are disappointed by elongated and coin jewelry, as they prefer the coins remain in their original state.