A Spielmarke is a German game token or play money, not a "spill mark". The name is derived from the German words Spiel ("game") and Marke ("token"). These tokens were created to be used for games, accounting, and even as promotional items.
Characteristics and history of Spielmarke tokens
Appearance: Spielmarkes often imitate the appearance of contemporary coins but omit the correct legends, denominations, or dates to avoid being mistaken for actual currency. They were frequently made of brass or other base metals.
Purpose: The tokens had several practical applications during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
Gaming: They were widely used as game pieces or counters in various parlor games, similar to modern poker chips.
Accounting: Shopkeepers used them as counters on an abacus-like grid to perform calculations. This was especially useful for shopkeepers who were more familiar with Roman numerals than the Arabic numeral system.
Play money: Children often used them as play money.
Advertising: They were sometimes used as advertising or promotional tokens.
Designs: The designs on Spielmarkes varied widely. Some feature American-influenced imagery, like a depiction of Lady Liberty with the inscription "LIBERTI" and "SP. MARKE". Others were made for the German market and featured different motifs.
Coin spills: The term "spill" is not a numismatic term for a mark on a coin. However, in the context of metal detecting and treasure hunting, a "coin spill" refers to a discovery of multiple coins found together in one location, as if they had been spilled.
Distinguishing a Spielmarke from agenuine coin
Because some Spielmarkes were made to look like real currency, it is important for collectors to be able to tell the difference:
Inscriptions: Look for the tell-tale "SPIEL MARKE" or "COMPOSITIONS-SPIEL-MARKE" inscriptions.
Unusual legend: If the coin's legend or inscription appears garbled or incorrect for the time period and country it supposedly represents, it is likely a game token.
Material: Spielmarkes were often made of brass or other base metals, so check for inconsistencies in the metallic composition.
