Coin Zippos?

dsessom · February 6, 2011 11:49AM

I have been kicking this idea around for a while. Being a smoker, I always have a Zippo lighter in my pocket. I hate those disposable butane lighters, so have been using Zippos for at least 15 years.
Being bored during the last snow storm, I got to playing around and found that I can pretty easily mount any coin up to half dollar size on a Zippo lighter. I realize that marketing these would be an extremely limited crowd since few people smoke anymore and there are even fewer numismatist smokers. But maybe there are cigar affectionados or pipe smokers out there as well.

Would it be worth the time and money to make a few of these do you all think?

atarian · February 6, 2011 11:53AM

I think I would like one just for display but thats just me. you can offer different types of coins to pick from. nice idea.

Cratylus · February 6, 2011 11:58AM

Better idea with what to do with your time and money:

Quit Smoking

Dwayne, you're still a relatively young guy and I'm sorry to be so blunt. However, my wife has a career in cancer research where she deals frequently with patients who have lung cancer. Addiitonally, my grandfather died from emphysema. Trust me when I tell you that you want no part of either of those two diseases. By quitting while you're still young, you will add YEARS to your life... years that you can continue your love for collecting coins.

Please, I urge you to use your money and invest your time and efforts into kicking that deadly habit.

MrSpud · February 6, 2011 11:59AM

People on e-bay would buy them. You could just make them to order after they buy them and they could tell you what kind of coin they wanted on it. One Christmas I ordered custom coin rings for my brother and Brothers in law made from silver coins from their Birthyears from some guy on e-bay. He made them in a way that the date showed up on the outside of the ring and you could tell it was made from a coin. They were big hits!

JamesMurray · February 6, 2011 12:07PM

I think price would be an issue , add the value of the coin as displayed and it's an expensive lighter and yet still just a zippo. An idea might be make them to order ?

dsessom · February 6, 2011 12:15PM

<< Better idea with what to do with your time and money:

Quit Smoking

Dwayne, you're still a relatively young guy and I'm sorry to be so blunt. However, my wife has a career in cancer research where she deals frequently with patients who have lung cancer. Addiitonally, my grandfather died from emphysema. Trust me when I tell you that you want no part of either of those two diseases. By quitting while you're still young, you will add YEARS to your life... years that you can continue your love for collecting coins.

Please, I urge you to use your money and invest your time and efforts into kicking that deadly habit. >>

I have tried multiple times, and succeeded for short periods but it's sooooo hard. What makes it particularly difficult is that I enjoy a cigarette especially after eating a meal. But I have managed to cut down quite a bit. I work in a hospital, and both my grandparents on my mothers side and my grandmother on my fathers side died from smoking related conditions, all around the age of 70. You would think that would be motivation enough to quit. It's truly a powerful addiction...

Cratylus · February 6, 2011 12:27PM

It is definitely a powerful addiction. My father is almost 70, he's been a life-long smoker, and he's tried to quit several dozen times. He'll succeed for a few months only to start up again.

I didn't want to sound douchey or preachy with my previous response, but I truly hope you can find the willpower to stop permanently.

ricko · February 6, 2011 11:01PM

I have seen Zippos with medallions affixed, but not coins. Smoking is a difficult addiction to escape. The nicotine addiction takes only 3 to 5 days to withdraw from, but the psychological addiction is much stronger. That is where a firm mental decision to quit must be made. I read somewhere (used to teach smoking cessation classes) that while a true chemical addiction exists, smoking is 80% mental addiction. I wish you good fortune and hope you can make the transition. Cheers, RickO

DrBuster · February 6, 2011 11:42PM

Ex smoker for a year here. Have a cigar every now and then but the cigs are done.

I still carry a zippo. Zippo collectors buy any and everything, I don't see why coin ones wouldn't sell.

edix2001 · February 6, 2011 11:47PM

Heh! Thinkin' too old school.
Need to mount coins on cell phone cover faceplates.

RRich2004 · February 6, 2011 11:49PM

<< I have been kicking this idea around for a while. Being a smoker, I always have a Zippo lighter in my pocket. I hate those disposable butane lighters, so have been using Zippos for at least 15 years.
Being bored during the last snow storm, I got to playing around and found that I can pretty easily mount any coin up to half dollar size on a Zippo lighter. I realize that marketing these would be an extremely limited crowd since few people smoke anymore and there are even fewer numismatist smokers. But maybe there are cigar affectionados or pipe smokers out there as well.

Would it be worth the time and money to make a few of these do you all think?

>>

There may be some cigar aficionados who might be interested in one.

PerryHall · February 7, 2011 12:02AM

You could custom make them. They could specify a special year (birthday, anniversary, etc) and then you could quote them a price based on the availability of a coin from that year.

kurtdog · February 7, 2011 12:12AM

I asked my doctor about the nicotine patch, I told him I wanted to try it. He's a no-nonsense guy. He told me the only way that will make me stop smoking is if I put it over my mouth.

I'll tell you how I stopped. On the advice of my doctor, I looked up some pictures of what a smoker's lungs look like. It made me sick.

lordmarcovan · February 7, 2011 12:13AM

Nice idea but I sure wouldn't use a high-end 1917 T1 SLQ, even if it was circulated.

Low-end Buffalo nickels were made for such a project.

dsessom · February 7, 2011 12:24AM

<< Nice idea but I sure wouldn't use a high-end 1917 T1 SLQ, even if it was circulated.

Low-end Buffalo nickels were made for such a project. >>

The above is really just a Photoshopped example of what it might look like. I agree, a $100 coin wouldn't be my first choice but to each their own.

dsessom · February 7, 2011 12:27AM

<< 

<< I have been kicking this idea around for a while. Being a smoker, I always have a Zippo lighter in my pocket. I hate those disposable butane lighters, so have been using Zippos for at least 15 years.
Being bored during the last snow storm, I got to playing around and found that I can pretty easily mount any coin up to half dollar size on a Zippo lighter. I realize that marketing these would be an extremely limited crowd since few people smoke anymore and there are even fewer numismatist smokers. But maybe there are cigar affectionados or pipe smokers out there as well.

Would it be worth the time and money to make a few of these do you all think?

>>

There may be some cigar aficionados who might be interested in one. >>

Right! Those people...

questor54 · February 7, 2011 12:49AM

Why not? A dealer offered me a money clip with a gold double eagle on it once.

lkeigwin · February 7, 2011 1:00AM

<< But maybe there are cigar affectionados or pipe smokers out there as well. >>

Cigars are quite popular these days. A throwback, just like Martini's. But aficionados would not use them because they prefer butane torches which stay lit in a breeze and don't effect the cigars' taste, as lighter fluid does.

I think I would move on to the next great idea.

Lance.

blueifalcon · February 7, 2011 1:00AM

Would be a nice version of a pocket piece, don't cha know.

2004, and after 8 pieces of Nicorette gum in a two month period, I was through with smoking. I Feel much better, although I still get the urge every so often.

TrustNo1 · February 7, 2011 1:54AM

great idea..I quit 6 years ago but still have a few zippos laying around...I did use the patch once I knew I had to quit. Worked great for me, but YOU have to be ready to stop and say no more. If you dont wanna quit yet, don't waste the cash on the patch.

19Lyds · February 7, 2011 2:12AM

Quit while you can and give up this idea of catering to those folks that are addicted to smokes and coins.

PM Sent.

fiveNdime · February 7, 2011 2:24AM

almost 25 years since i stuck a butt in my mouth!

you think its hard to avoid the after meal cig, but after a few weeks you can smell AND taste the food again!

<< Zippo collectors buy any and everything, I don't see why coin ones wouldn't sell. >>

cladking · February 7, 2011 2:30AM

Sure. They'd probably sell a few on eBay and I like the idea of using nice type I standing liberty quarters.
Find coins with a bad reverses and make a series of so people have a choice.

I'd go slow at first to see what will sell but start up costs are nominal. Some coins will appeal to the gen-
eral public as well.

They have to be securely fastened or you will get returns and some won't include the coins.

LindeDad · February 7, 2011 2:33AM

Ever done the math of how many coins you could buy by quitting smoking.

Yes and a lot more since I quit.

dsessom · February 7, 2011 3:09AM

<< Ever done the math of how many coins you could buy by quitting smoking.

Yes and a lot more since I quit. >>

That's a good point!

grip · February 7, 2011 3:13AM

You have to make changes in your life style,which
means advoid people that smoke.

Places that smell of smoke,and sell smokes,
like a bar...........I smoked 2 pak's a day for 50yrs
and finally quit last year.Chantex (sp) worked for me

and the above changes.

dsessom · February 7, 2011 3:24AM

<< You have to make changes in your life style,which
means advoid people that smoke. >>

This would include my wife, both sons, and pretty much everyone on my wifes side of the family. DOH!

<< Places that smell of smoke,and sell smokes,
like a bar...........I smoked 2 pak's a day for 50yrs
and finally quit last year. >>

I don't go to bars, but avoiding smokers and places that smell like smoke is literally impossible for me.

<< Chantex (sp) worked for me. >>

I tried that once and it had allegic reaction to it. Broke out in hives and got sick.

Can we talk about coin Zippo lighters? They can be used for other things too like lighting candles, fireplaces, or just looking cool on the fireplace mantle/book shelf/coffee table.

Russ · February 7, 2011 3:30AM

I think it's a damned cool idea. Just ignore all the off topic smoke nazis.

Russ, NCNE

JamesMurray · February 7, 2011 3:35AM

It occured to me last night i actually had seen this before and had something like it. Im sure others might remember when the metal sleeves for the bic lighters were in vogue , some were lavishly decorated with turqoise and red coral , mine had an old buffalo nickel on it.

drwstr123 · February 7, 2011 3:35AM

The gentleman is asking advice on a business decision, not for a sermon.

grip · February 7, 2011 3:38AM

Geeez Russ,I thought you were better educated
than that

19Lyds · February 7, 2011 3:42AM

<< Can we talk about coin Zippo lighters? They can be used for other things too like lighting candles, fireplaces, or just looking cool on the fireplace mantle/book shelf/coffee table.

>>

Agreed.

johnny9434 · February 7, 2011 3:53AM

i quit smoking a year and a half ago and glad i did. i still have all my zippo's and wont part with them just yet. i like the idea of a coin on it and would probobly buy a few ( just for s & g's )

airplanenut · February 7, 2011 3:53AM

Now THAT is a cool new way to get cancer!

tahoe98 · February 7, 2011 4:07AM

<< Nice idea but I sure wouldn't use a high-end 1917 T1 SLQ, even if it was circulated.

Low-end Buffalo nickels were made for such a project. >>

...my thoughts completely!

tahoe98 · February 7, 2011 4:11AM

...at the risk of sounding like a smoke nazis, cig smoke isn't very good for coins!

cladking · February 7, 2011 4:17AM

<< Now THAT is a cool new way to get cancer!

>>

That's the spirit.

PerryHall · February 7, 2011 5:24AM

I had a friend who was a real cheapskate. When cigarettes got to a dollar a pack, he quite cold turkey.

kurtdog · February 7, 2011 5:47AM

<< The gentleman is asking advice on a business decision, not for a sermon. >>

I believe we all understand what he's asking for. Do you understand we're trying to save his life? If you're suggesting we should have put that in a PM, though, you're probably right. I, for one, was just a little overcome, and just didn't think of it at the time. That's my excuse...

JJM · February 7, 2011 5:51AM

I quit a year go, but still carry a lighter, 2 knives, and several other nessesary items....id buy one

drwstr123 · February 7, 2011 5:53AM

<< 

<< The gentleman is asking advice on a business decision, not for a sermon. >>

I believe we all understand what he's asking for. Do you understand we're trying to save his life? If you're suggesting we should have put that in a PM, though, you're probably right. I, for one, was just a little overcome, and just didn't think of it at the time. That's my excuse... >>

I think I'm capable of understanding what it is you're doing.

dsessom · February 7, 2011 5:57AM

<< 

<< The gentleman is asking advice on a business decision, not for a sermon. >>

I believe we all understand what he's asking for. Do you understand we're trying to save his life? If you're suggesting we should have put that in a PM, though, you're probably right. I, for one, was just a little overcome, and just didn't think of it at the time. That's my excuse... >>

I understand that smoking can and will kill me if I don't quit. I also skydive and drive race cars (well, I used to. I sold the car last year). Suffice to say, I engage in risk behavior - that's a given. And I do appreciate the concern and lectures believe it or not. It's nice to know my friends in numismatics care.

I don't mean to start an argument. I just wanted to know if the "Coin Zippo" would be a marketable product, or a waste of time really. My dad who doesn't smoke (but used to years ago) likes Zippos and has a small collection. (Nostalgia maybe?)
I think I will attempt a few prototypes, just for trial and error and see how they turn out.

19Lyds · February 7, 2011 6:06AM

<< 

<< 

<< The gentleman is asking advice on a business decision, not for a sermon. >>

I believe we all understand what he's asking for. Do you understand we're trying to save his life? If you're suggesting we should have put that in a PM, though, you're probably right. I, for one, was just a little overcome, and just didn't think of it at the time. That's my excuse... >>

I understand that smoking can and will kill me if I don't quit. I also skydive and drive race cars (well, I used to. I sold the car last year). Suffice to say, I engage in risk behavior - that's a given. And I do appreciate the concern and lectures believe it or not. It's nice to know my friends in numismatics care.

I don't mean to start an argument. I just wanted to know if the "Coin Zippo" would be a marketable product, or a waste of time really. My dad who doesn't smoke (but used to years ago) likes Zippos and has a small collection. (Nostalgia maybe?)
I think I will attempt a few prototypes, just for trial and error and see how they turn out. >>

I think its marketable Dwayne but as Cladking suggested, you'll need to insure that whatever gets affixed to the lighter will be permanent. Otherwise you will get a lot of returns.

dsessom · February 7, 2011 6:20AM

I agree. I will try several things and see what works best. I have a pretty good idea of what will work. We used to glue our friends tires to the concrete with it in High School. Im also thinking of adding a bevelled trim ring around the coin so it won't snag on anything.

kurtdog · February 7, 2011 6:32AM

Dwayne, I think it's marketable. There's a company that outfitted these for the military with coats of arms and such, but I guess that was quite awhile back. What are your prospects in terms of a contract-manufacturer, or haven't you yet considered to that point?

tahoe98 · February 7, 2011 6:54AM

<< I agree. I will try several things and see what works best. I have a pretty good idea of what will work. We used to glue our friends tires to the concrete with it in High School. Im also thinking of adding a bevelled trim ring around the coin so it won't snag on anything. >>

...just put the coin in a slab and glue THAT to the zippo.

dsessom · February 7, 2011 7:27AM

<< Dwayne, I think it's marketable. There's a company that outfitted these for the military with coats of arms and such, but I guess that was quite awhile back. What are your prospects in terms of a contract-manufacturer, or haven't you yet considered to that point? >>

I was thinking small scale, custom hand made, per-order type operation. I enjoy making things like this.

kurtdog · February 7, 2011 7:37AM

<< I was thinking small scale, custom hand made, per-order type operation. I enjoy making things like this. >>

We're hobbyists. This isn't just "work" to us. I should have known that.

PS: You ought to be able to "cross-market" to the Zippo-collector crowd, too. Good luck!

skier07 · February 7, 2011 7:51AM

Cigar smokers rarely use Zippos. Zippos leave a bad after taste on your cigar.

Bruce

Coin Zippos?

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