⚓ USS Lexington Museum (Corpus Christi, TX) – 5 Penny Machines – Multiple Designs

Location:
2914 North Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78402
📞 (361) 888-4873 | 🌐 USS Lexington Museum Website

Where to Find It:
All penny machines are lined up directly in front of the gift shop. Access is free, and change is available inside. As of 3/5/25, three new machines (16, 17, and 18) were added outside the gift shop, replacing several retired ones.

Cost:
51¢ per press (two quarters + your own penny).

🎨 Designs Available (Exact totals pending scans of Machines 16–18)

• Machines include a mix of single-design presses, three-design machines, and one four-design machine.

• Current themes cover aircraft, naval history, and “The Blue Ghost.”

• Scans of designs for Machines 16, 17, and 18 are still needed to complete documentation.

📝 Collector Tip
Since the machines are all grouped at the gift shop, this is one of the easiest places in Texas to rack up multiple presses quickly. Bring a full roll of quarters and a stack of clean copper pennies.

⭐ Fun Fact – Corpus Christi, TX
Nicknamed “The Blue Ghost” by the Japanese Navy, the USS Lexington is an Essex-class aircraft carrier that earned 11 battle stars in World War II. Today, it serves as a floating museum and National Historic Landmark.

📊 Progress Tracker
Pressed so far: ⬜ 0 | ⬜ 1 | ⬜ 2 | ⬜ 3 | ⬜ 4+ (multiple designs across 5 machines)

Trail Completion: Part of the Texas Coastal & Military History Trail

Challenge Connection: Counts toward your Texas badge and leaderboard ranking.

🎯 Why This Stop Matters
The USS Lexington is both a museum and a piece of living history. With multiple machines, it offers collectors a rich set of naval-themed designs tied to one of the most decorated carriers of WWII.

✨ PennyTrail Pro Tip
Press your “Blue Ghost” penny and photograph it against the ship’s towering flight deck for a #MyPennyTrail shot that honors both history and your collection.

🐬 Texas State Aquarium (Corpus Christi, TX) – 2 Penny Machines – 8 Designs

Location:
2710 North Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
📞 (800) 477-GULF | 🌐 Texas State Aquarium Website

Where to Find It:
Both machines are located downstairs near the snack bar. Machine 11 was relocated here and now sits next to Machine 12.

Cost:
51¢ per press (two quarters + your own penny).

🎨 Designs Available (8 Total)

Machine 11
✅ / ⬜ Piranhas – Sharp-toothed river predators
✅ / ⬜ Otter – Playful swimmer
✅ / ⬜ Green Moray Eel – Slender, toothy reef dweller
✅ / ⬜ Sea Turtle – Graceful ocean traveler

Machine 12
✅ / ⬜ Alligator – Gulf Coast reptile
✅ / ⬜ Eagle – Symbol of strength and freedom
✅ / ⬜ Poison Dart Frog – Bright and bold amphibian
✅ / ⬜ Stingray – Smooth, gliding sea creature

📝 Collector Tip
Head straight to the snack bar area downstairs — both machines are side by side, making it easy to press all 8 designs in one go.

⭐ Fun Fact – Corpus Christi, TX
The Texas State Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the nation dedicated to the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico and operates a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

📊 Progress Tracker
Pressed so far: ⬜ 0 | ⬜ 1 | ⬜ 2 | ⬜ 3 | ⬜ 4 | ⬜ 5 | ⬜ 6 | ⬜ 7 | ⬜ 8 of 8 designs

Trail Completion: Part of the Texas Coastal Trail

Challenge Connection: Counts toward your Texas badge and leaderboard ranking.

🎯 Why This Stop Matters
This stop combines family fun, ocean conservation, and some of the best aquatic-themed penny designs in Texas. With 8 current designs, it’s a must for serious collectors.

✨ PennyTrail Pro Tip
Take your “Sea Turtle” penny to the outdoor turtle exhibit for a #MyPennyTrail photo that ties your press to the real thing.