An interesting token, Indians, and a medal [New info on medal]

[Merf]

Greetings swinging dirt fishers.
These finds are from a couple of field sites I hunted this week.
One was an 1892 church and the other a turn of the century school.
I am not sure what the Religeous medal pertains too.
Thanks to Exonumia, Just Geese, and Montana Jim for IDing the token.
Best luck and keep swinging----Merf


P.S.---Found a similar medal on E-Bay. It is an 1880s St. Benedict medal.
The link http://item.express.ebay.com/1880s-...017530082QQihZ022QQfromsoiZ1QQcmdZExpressItem

 

[Merf]

Re: An interesting token, Indians, and a medal

Here is the info from Exonumia about the token.
The place is now a gaybar.

As has been previously noted, this is a Rockford IL token, a "rebus" token, as listed on my web site http://www.exonumia.com . I sold one of these in one of the Ore Vacketta mail sales (he wrote the book on IL tokens, which I published, and I have the book in stock on my exonumia book list). It is a REBUS token, where various symbols stand for words. It is aluminum, about silver dollar sized. It would have been used as part payment on a drink. The issuer Gleichmann also issued other tokens, and a match safe. It is scarce, but not rare, but of course since I live in Rockford, I've seen more of these than most people. A very 'cute' piece, worthy of a premium bid in nice condition (which this one is not, probably the worst known piece!). There are very few 'rebus' tokens, and very, very few pictorial tokens from Illinois. The Office was a bar back then, ca. 1900, and still is, now it is a gay bar. I'd love to have a modern token from this place, to go with my oldies! There aren't too many bars still going after 100 years. Still located on the main drag <g> of Rockford, in an old building, and now in an area of improved yuppie-type stores and eateries.

As I know of it, a 2 1/2 cent token would have been used for change, with drinks priced at two for 25c. Pay 15c for a drink, and get a 2 1/2c token back as change, and as an inducement to come back. I'd have to say the total population known to me, including this one, the one in my collection, a duplicate in stock and the one sold in the Vacketta sale is maybe 10 pieces total. Scarce, not rare. But, cute!

 

[Evolution]

Re: An interesting token, Indians, and a medal

I think Nick just about said it all in his reply. I will just add this. You are my hero Merf. Nice finds once again.

 

[silverfreak]

Re: An interesting token, Indians, and a medal

Sweet injuns Merf

 

[jraven]

Re: An interesting token, Indians, and a medal

Another successful hunt.

 

[Natman]

You're really kickin' some major MDing butt this year Merf..nice job once again..you must really know your machine and love the hobby to be so consistent in finding so many old coins and relics.

Nat

 

[Merf]

Re: An interesting token, Indians, and a medal

How do I love Merf...

Let me count the ways ~ 1898 - 1901 - 1903 -1905



Merf O Lisheous...

ROCK ON...

Nick

Nick you are too kind-- --I am not worthy.

I think Nick just about said it all in his reply. I will just add this. You are my hero Merf. Nice finds once again.

Thanks Evolution-- --You are too kind also.



Thanks Silverfreak and JR

You're really kickin' some major MDing butt this year Merf..nice job once again..you must really know your machine and love the hobby to be so consistent in finding so many old coins and relics.

Nat

Thanks Nat----Being retired I hunt about every day that the weather permits if I have a good spot.
I do love the hobby [addiction] and with the old platt maps have found some good spots
Best luck my friend.

 

[49r Relics]

Nice finds Merf . . . I always enjoy your photos. I always tell myself I am going to take my camera on the next hunt, maybe one of these days I will remember. Keep the finds and photos coming.

HH, Mark

 

[ModernMiner]

Merf,
Another fine job in the "field of dreams". Congrats on all the IH's, and that super cool token.
-MM-

 

[flyinguy]

put your wagons in a circle! the indians have arrived and want to build a casino!

 

[EDDE]

MERF the human locust
NOTHING is safe in the fields!

 

[mikewaz]

Nice finds there merf !
Those green Indians are in beautiful shape.
Mike

 

[nebstater]

Hey Merf... More great finds from the great out doors.

Nice injuns and one holely token. WTG

 

[Merf]

Nice finds Merf . . . I always enjoy your photos. I always tell myself I am going to take my camera on the next hunt, maybe one of these days I will remember. Keep the finds and photos coming.

HH, Mark

Thanks Mark- ---If you take the camera put it in a baggie to keep the dirt out.
I learned the hard way

Merf,
Another fine job in the "field of dreams". Congrats on all the IH's, and that super cool token.
-MM-

Thanks MM

MERF the human locust
NOTHING is safe in the fields!

I have a lot more smashed , deep, pop cans to find.

Nice finds there merf !
Those green Indians are in beautiful shape.
Mike

Thanks Mike and nebstater

 

[civilman1]

I wish my field's were that huntable Merf One of these day's we'll have to swap some field's.Excellent find's my friend.Congrat's and HH!!

 

[Colonial Zoyboy]

Nice job on the Injuns, Merf! You are the king of Northern Illinois! I guess I'll give EDDE the "king of Southern Illinois" title!

Kyle

 

[weasel606]

Merf you sure are getting in some great hunts excellent finds congrats

 

[Merf]

I wish my field's were that huntable Merf One of these day's we'll have to swap some field's.Excellent find's my friend.Congrat's and HH!!

Thanks Cman

Nice job on the Injuns, Merf! You are the king of Northern Illinois! I guess I'll give EDDE the "king of Southern Illinois" title!

Kyle

LOL
Thanks Kyle--- --I need to get that Coppa monkey off my back.

Merf you sure are getting in some great hunts excellent finds congrats

Thanks Weasel I have had a streak of good luck.