I recently bought an English penny to use with my Johnson shell. The penny does not fit under the shell. When reviewing Dan Harlans' Rising Dough (on WGM-Expanded Shells) He said you may have to look around for a penny that fits. ?????????? Aren't they all the same size? Are different years slightly different sizes? Is there another (contrasting) coin like a Chinese coin that will fit?
-Chris

An english penny is slightly larger than a half dollar-and usually needs to be turned down to fit under an expanded half. An older worn penny might fit.

some types of "chinese" coins are smaller than a half, I think Sterling coins are.

It may be that the QC of English Pennies may be the samee as Half Dollars. Not that good!

When I got my Kennedy S***l, I got 100 half dollars from the bank to "fit" them and it turns out that only 20 out of 100 actually fit

My shell fits perfectly over all ten half dollars I have so I don't think that is the problem.

All English Pennies are just a bit larger then half dollars... I do not think they will fit in a half dollar shell. Don't do it or you will ruin your shell.

Thanks

Shawn

Shawn is correct.
You need to contact one of the Coin guys to make an english penny that will fit a half dollar shell.
Johnson charges $25 for it I think ..check their site.

Yup, the penny just barely doesn't fit but on that scale a millimeter might as well be a mile. Oh well, I'm only out like $1.50. I'm thinking of painting a HD. It may add some thickness but it can't hurt to try. I'll also check Johnsons site

It's a no brainer. Take a small grain nail file and file progressively your penny's edge keeping it round. It's going to take you less than ten minutes. The shining copper aspect of the edge will disappear over a very short time.

And you know what? you can do this with your C/S coin as well, and it will fit snuggly into your [ ...!

I carefully and slowly filed mine down to fit. It works great as long as you are not in a hurry and take your time. I put some liver of sulfur on the edge with a sponge to darken it.

I carefully and slowly filed mine down to fit. It works great as long as you are not in a hurry and take your time. I put some liver of sulfur on the edge with a sponge to darken it.