Experiencing the Oddities of Automatic Toll Booths with Pennies

Have you ever tried using pennies at an automatic toll booth? I have, and it's quite the peculiar experience. Today, I share my adventures in paying a 5.00 toll with nothing but pennies and a humorous story about how I settled a boot with the same method.

Payment Methods and Toll Booths

Automatic toll booths have become ubiquitous across the highways and bridges in many parts of the world. Typically, these booths accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, cash, and electronic toll tags. Despite their modernity, they occasionally run into the oddities of human behavior trying to fit in pockets of disorderly currency.

A 5.00 Toll and a Mountain of Pennies

I decided to test the limits of these toll booths. One day, I found myself with a significant pile of pennies—more than enough to cover the 5.00 toll. It turned out to be a more challenging endeavor than expected. The toll booth machine refused to accept the pennies, no matter how I tried to feed them in. After numerous attempts, I finally managed to make it work. It took over ten minutes of carefully aligning each coin, and while it was worth the effort, it was also strangely entertaining.

Deciding to Do Better for the Boot Guy

Another time, I encountered a situation that challenged me to take a different approach. A guy had boot-kicked my car, one of those mechanical devices that can render a vehicle immobile until someone pays the fine. Instead of just paying the fine, I decided to remain proactive and ensure he wouldn't experience the same annoyance I just endured. I gathered 75 pennies and paid him in the same way. This not only helped him avoid the hassle of rolling so many coins but also made me feel like I was doing something kind for him.

Collecting Coins and the Coin Market

As a coin collector, I appreciate the unique value and beauty of coins. Over the years, I decided to start a hobby of collecting coins in bulk from banks. I remove and sort out the good ones, and often have a sizable collection in my car. What started as a fun hobby has evolved into a small yet significant part of my regular travels.

The Benefits of Coin Collecting

Coin collecting can be both a rewarding and educational hobby. Not only do collectors appreciate the aesthetic value of coins, but they also learn about history and economics. Coins often tell the story of their time, bearing designs and motifs that are significant to their era. It's fascinating to see how coins have evolved over the years, reflecting the changing tastes and values of the societies that minted them.

Marketing Your Coin Collection

As a coin collector, I've noticed a growing interest in coin collecting among various demographics. Whether online or in-person, many coin collectors have found ways to share their passion and sell their collections. There are numerous online marketplaces, such as eBay and CoinWorld, where enthusiasts can buy and sell coins with ease. Additionally, local coin clubs and coin shows provide a platform for collectors to connect and trade.

Expert Insights on Penny Payments

While it is technically possible to pay tolls and other transactions with pennies, it's not always practical. Most automatic toll booths are designed to handle standard denominations of coins and currency. However, some places, especially in the US, do offer rare opportunities to pay with unconventional methods. For instance, certain vending machines or smaller establishments might accept pennies, providing a unique challenge and excitement for those willing to try.

Conclusion

Using pennies at automatic toll booths has been a fascinating and often challenging experience. From the frustration of trying to get a toll machine to accept pennies to the alternative method of paying a boot-kicked bill, these experiences highlight the enduring allure of pennies. Additionally, as a coin collector, I have discovered a world of new insights and pleasures through my hobby. Whether you're a casual observer or an avid collector, there's always something new to learn about these small but fascinating objects.