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TOKENS, MEDALS, AND OTHER NEAT STUFF!

STOCK & BOND CERTIFICATES HAVE MOVED TO THEIR OWN PAGE

THE FAMOUS BITCOIN MEDALLION

You have seen it on Television, in magazines and newspapers.  When there is a story in the media about bitcoins, this medallion is often pictured.  Even though the bitcoin is a virtual currency, without any physical existence, journalists and television producers feel they must have display an image for their story, even though there is nothing to see. The most widely used image is that of a bitcoin medallion which was a originally produced a joint project of MJB Monetary Medals of England, the American Open Currency Standard (AOCS) and the Mulligan Mint of Texas.  It was a 39mm, one troy ounce pure copper medallion with a bitcoin symbol on one side and a printed circuit board design on the other.  The original piece was produced in 2012.  MJB Monetary supposedly planned to sell the medallions for 1 bitcoin.  Since then Mulligan Mint went bankrupt due multiple lawsuits and the mysterious disappearance of a large quantity of silver, MJB Monetary seems to have disappeared without a trace, AOCS is moribund, and the value of the bitcoin has soared to almost $20,000 then plummeted.  After the collapse of the Mulligan Mint numerous Chinese firms began to copy and sell medallions using the original bitcoin design.  Though they are no longer a 1-ounce copper medallion, do not have AOCS approval nor meet AOCS standards, the medallions bear the legends "1 TROY OUNCE .999 FINE COPPER   MJB MONETARY METALS   BITCOIN DECENTRALIZED PEER TO PEER" on one side and "AOCS APPROVED MJB 2013" on the other.  We offer "gold plated", "silver plated" and copper plated Chinese made versions of the popular bitcoin medallion.  Not only are they cheaper than an actual bitcoin, but you can display them in your collection or show them to a friend.

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MULLIGAN MINT - AOCS 1 TROY OUNCE COPPER ROUNDS

The American Open Currency Standard (AOCS) and the closely related Mulligan Mint of Texas were libertarian oriented firms that encouraged alternative local monetary systems based on gold, silver and copper.  The creators of the AOCS decided to open their own mint, called the Mulligan Mint. It opened in 2012 and declared bankruptcy and closed in 2013 after a nasty dispute between two founders, the mysterious disappearance 71,473 ounces of silver and multiple lawsuits.  We have a selection of different of 1 avoirdupois ounce copper American Open Currency Standard medallions which were produced by AOCS or Mulligan Mint during its short-lived existence.  They were valued at "2 Units" each by AOCS standards, which was equivalent to 1 ounce of pure copper.   They are an interesting reminder of a failed alternative hard currency systems.

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ELONGATED CENTS

Elongated cents, or rolled cents, are a popular and inexpensive collectible.  Machines allowing visitors to make their own souvenir "stretched pennies" are available at many tourist sites. We recently acquired a hoard of elongated cents.  Most were issued for various coin shows.  Every lot is different, however there is much duplication between lots.

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YNYSYBWL CO-OP TOKENS

Ynysybwl (don’t ask me to pronounce that) is a village in South Wales in the United Kingdom.  Its main industry was coal mining – until the mine closed in 1988.   The village had an active co-operative society, which still exists today.  Initially known as Ynysybwl Industrial Co-op Society, Ltd.  the name was later shortened to Ynysybwl Co-op Society, Ltd.  The society provided a wide range of goods and services to members, including groceries, household goods, hardware, travel agency cafeteria, building, painting and decorating services, ladies hairdressing, toys, TV and radio repairs, footwear, optical services, funeral services, sports and educational classes, though today the range of those services has been greatly reduced.  This set of ten different Ynysybwl Co-op tokens, including eight copper or brass tokens denominated between ½ Pence and 2 Shillings, and two plastic bread tokens.  These tokens have been offered on eBay for $10 to $20 each!

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TRUMP SATIRE QUARTER

A bad portrait of Donald Trump, along with the legend “TRUMP  THERE WILL BE HELL TOUPEE” and the date 2016 is featured on the Donald Trump satire quarter.  The obverse is similar to a regular United States quarter dollar, but with the legend “HEAD QUARTERS” in place of the denomination.  The coin is overstruck on an actual United States quarter to avoid anti-counterfeiting laws.

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TRUMP CURRENCY

Love him or hate him, Donald Trump is our President.  Since his election various groups have issued high denomination fantasy notes picturing Trump.  For Trump haters we have a 4 Billion Dollars note that features un-flattering portraits of the President and political jokes.  For Trump lovers we have a 1 Million Dollars “Commander in Chief” note.  For the religious minded we have a 1 Billion Dollars “Make America Great Again - Repentance Note” with Bible verses on the back.  Notes are the size of U.S. currency.

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INDIAN ON OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN MEDAL

An Indian is featured on this attractive high relief bronze medal from Oakland County, Michigan. The county is located northwest of Detroit.  The medal was issued in 1970 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the county.  The reverse depicts the county seal which features an oak tree.   The 39 mm medal has an "antiqued" finish.  

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OLD HACIENDA TOKENS FROM PUERTO RICO  

This token was issued by the Hacienda Vega Redonda for 1/4 Almud. Vega Redonda was a coffee plantation in the Municipio of Las Marias in western Puerto Rico.  The undated token is believed to have been struck in Germany about 1890. An almud is a basket of coffee berries weighing about 8.3 pounds (3.8kg.). The token was probably used to pay coffee pickers. The brass token shows no wear, though has some spots.  It has the same design on both sides featuring the name and location of the hacienda and the denomination.

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CASINO DOLLAR SLOT MACHINE TOKENS 

With the disappearance of the silver dollar from circulation in the 1960’s, casinos began to issue their own Dollar tokens for use in slot machines.  Issues expanded as slot machines became legal in more jurisdictions across the United States and they have become a popular collectible.  Now that most casinos have switched to using tickets or cards rather than coins, the tokens are getting difficult to find.  We have assembled groups of all different Dollar slot machine tokens.  Most are from northern Nevada.  All lots contiain pretty much the same 10 tokens.

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BREAD TOKEN FROM DOWN UNDER

This aluminum token was good for “One Loaf” of bread at  "A. Roderick’s Pioneer Bakery" in Pelaw Main, New South Wales, Australia.  The token was apparently used around the late 1920’s to early 1930’s.  At that time a 4 pound loaf of bread (about 2kg. – they had big loaves back then) sold for 4 to 5 pence.  Pelaw Main is a village that owes its origins to a nearby coal mine with the same name. The 27mm aluminum token was made with a center hole. 

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AMSTERDAM 700th ANNIVERSARY FLORIN

This 1 Florin token was issued in 1975 as part of Amsterdam's 700th Anniversary celebration.  . Amsterdam started as a fishing village around a dam in the Amstel river at the end of the 12th century.  One side of the 22mm copper-nickel token features the city's coat-of-arms.  The other has the legends "1275 1975 // MOKUM // 700 // FLORIJN" and the three crosses from city's arms. Mokum is a slang name for Amsterdam. 

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400th ANNIVERSARY OF BERMUDA’S HOGGE MONEY

To honor the 400th anniversary of Bermuda’s Hogge Money, numismatist Mel Wacks produced this counterstamped 2016 United States Kennedy Half Dollar depicting a Hogge 6 Pence.  Hogge Money was the first coinage for any English-speaking region in the New World and is the first coin listed in the standard reference known as the "Red Book".  Hogge Money coins were made in London for use in the newly established Plantation of Somer Islands, now known as Bermuda.  The crudely made 2, 3, 6, and 12-pence coins were issued in 1616. The coins all depict a wild hog which was found in abundance on the island.   The pigs may have originally escaped from the shipwreck of Juan de Bermudez in 1532.  Only 200 counterstamped coins were produced.  Though they are almost as scarce as the original Hogge Money, they are a lot more affordable.  The counterstamped coin comes with a gift pouch and a descriptive Certificate of Authenticity.  Also available is a Bermuda cent which depicts the famous hog design on the reverse, and Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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SEX EUROS 

These fun fantasy coins are  well made spoofs on the Euro coin.  One side of the 32mm bimetallic "coin" depicts a couple enjoying each other.  The other side is based on the map of Europe design found on Euro coins, however the piece is denominated as "6 Sex Euros".  The rather unusual piece comes in a plastic capsule.  We can supply single Sex Euros, a set of 7 different (one for each day of the week?) or a set of 34 different (one for each day of the month and two on Sunday?).  Exact designs will be our choice.  They are fun pieces that can be used as a gag gift, in a bachelor party, or just an unusual bi-metallic to be added to your collection.

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NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY CHALLENGE COIN

The National Security Agency is a top secret organization in the United States government which gathers, processes and analyzes communications around the world.  Recently they have been scrutinized for monitoring personal communications far beyond the scope of what most Americans were led to believe.  This 40mm, multi-color, National Security Agency Challenge Coin features the organizations emblem in color on one side, and the Great Seal of the United States on the other.    Challenge Coins are widely used in the United States military and other government agencies and organizations.  The medals usually bear the organizations insignia and are carried by members of the organization or presented in recognition of special achievements or visits by dignitaries.  So, where did we manage to obtain challenge coins from this clandestine spy agency?  From China, of course.

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ARMY AND AIR FORCE EXCHANGE (AAFES) POG "COINS"

The Army and Air Force Exchange Services, commonly known as AAFES or just the Exchange, provides goods, services and fast food to members of the United States armed forces and their families throughout the world.  Prices are often lower than those found in nearby communities and most of the profits go to support the military's Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.   Because of the cost and difficulty in supplying coins to bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East the AAFES produced these POG coins.  They are issued in the denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents and 25 cents and are printed on thin colorful 40mm plastic discs.  To avoid legal difficulties against issuing currency, the POGs are labeled as "Gift Certificates". The obverse has the denomination and the words "AAFES GIFT CERTIFICATE".   The POGS are issued in series, with a dozen or more reverse designs issued for each denomination for each series.   Since about 2003 each series has been dated.   Though they are only issued at forward bases, they may be redeemed at any AAFES facility. The POGS are listed in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Specialized Issues. They are a fascinating but little known military currency collectible. 

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BRITISH NAAFI POG SETS

NAAFI (The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) was organized by the British government to run shops, clubs, bars, supermarkets, restaurants, recreational facilities and other facilities for servicemen and their families on British military bases and aboard Royal Navy ships.  It serves basically the same function of as the AAFES Exchanges do for United States forces. In war zones NAAFI facilities are usually operated as Expeditionary Force Institutes (EFI), thus the POGS reference both acronyms.  These POG coins were created for use in on British bases in Afghanistan and are denominated in United States Dollars. Three denominations were issued:  a green 5 Cents, orange 10 cents and blue 25 cents, all printed on thin, coated cardboard.  The front has the denomination, date and the legends "NAAFI Gift Certificate” and "Valid and redeemable in any EFI facility trading in US Dollars".   The 2010 issue commemorates the 90th anniversary of NAAFI.  The back of 5 Cents shows a NAAFI wagon in Afghanistan, the 10 Cents shows a World War II NAAFI wagon and the 25 Cents has the NAAFI 90th anniversary emblem.  The 2011, 2012 and 2013 issues all have the same design on all three denominations featuring the NAAFI emblem on the back.  This series came to an end in 2013 with the withdrawal of the remaining British forces from Afghanistan. Most remaining NAFFI POGs were destroyed, making the difficult to find today. We offer the sets of NAAFI/EFI POGS by date.

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LEPER COLONY COINS FROM COLOMBIA

Leprosy was once a dreaded and incurable disease.  At one time it was feared that Leprosy could be spread by contamination of money.  In 1901 Colombia issued the world’s first Leper colony coins for use in their leper colonies in order to prevent the "contamination" of its money supply. We have two coins from this first series, the 5 and 10 Centavos dated 1901. Both coins have a similar design, featuring a large cross with the word “LAZARETO” (Leper) on one side and the denomination on the other.  It was later discovered that leprosy was not spread by money and the introduction of antibiotics made the leper colonies unnecessary.   The leper colonies were closed in the 1950’s and the tokens redeemed. Today these items are quite scarce as few were saved. 

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TEA STALL TOKEN FROM INDIA

One side of this unusual oblong 27.5mm x 17mm copper token has the legends "TEA STALL * H.M. * LTD. INDORE",  the other side depicts the number "4" on a teacup.  The token is attributed as a 4 Anna token issued by Hukumchand Mills in Indore, India.  The token was probably used in the company canteen sometime between the 1930’s and 1950’s.  Hukumchand Mills was a large cotton mill that went bankrupt and closed down in 1991, owing wages and benefits to some 6000 workers.  Since then the mill has been torn down. Attempts have been made to sell the land to provide funds to pay the workers, however disputes between various government agencies has prevented the sale of the land.  After 25 years, the workers have still not been paid and the case drags on in court.

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OLD TOKEN FROM SHANGHAI

Tong K. Wing, a merchant in Shanghai issued this 5 Jiao (50 Cents) token about 1920.  The 32mm aluminum token is believed to have been issued about 1920.  One side has legend “TONG K WING SHANGHAI, CHINA” and the numeral “5”  The other side has a floral pattern.  The coin grades XF for wear but has significant tarnish. 

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CHINESE MOTHER OF PEARL GAMBLING TOKENS

These beautiful, hand carved mother-of-pearl gambling tokens were manufactured in China from the late 18th Century to the late 19th Century.  Most were exported to Europe where they were used in a card games.  They come a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, rectangular, oval and even fish-shaped.  Most are about 28mm to 55mm.  

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ISRAEL TELEPHONE TOKEN  

For many years, Israel required tokens to operate their public telephones.  The tokens made it easy to raise prices and helped cut down on slugs beings.  This Israeli telephone token, called an Asimon, was issued by the Israel Post.  One side is dated 1966 in Hebrew and has the world “telephone” in Hebrew and Arabic.  A deep slot and a center hole is incorporated into the token to prevent regular coins or slugs from being used in the telephone.  The other side features a telephone dial.

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PERUVIAN SILVER MEDAL CLAIMS PART OF CHILE!

Peruvian dictator Augusto Bernardino Leguia issued this silver medalette as part of Peru’s Fiestas Patrias Great Military Parade Day in 1925. The medalette calls for the return of El Morro Arica, which Peru lost to Chile, along with the surrounding territory, 45 years earlier in the War of the Pacific. Since then the two nations had numerous unfruitful negotiations over the status of the territories. Recovery of the lost territory had long been a rallying point for Peruvian politicians. The obverse depicts the coastal mountain El Morro Arica. It is the most recognizable landmark in the area. Above it is the legend “RECUPERAR EL MORRO” (Recover El Morro) and “A.B.LEGUIA”. . In exergue is the date of the event:“29 JULIO 1925” The reverse has the legend “JUNTA PATRIOTICA NACIONAL”. In 1929 the two nations finally came to a formal agreement, El Morro and Arica province remained part of Chile. The 22.8mm silver medal weighs 5.5 grams and was made with a small hole at the top in order to suspend it from a hanger or ribbon. The medalette is Uncirculated, though may show some slight friction or bag marks. It is an unusual and rarely seen piece.

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THE PARAGUAYAN COIN THAT WAS NOT TO BE

In 1964 French President Charles De Gaulle planned a visit to Paraguay. He was the first head-of-state from outside Latin America ever to visit the country, so Paraguay wanted to honor the event with what was supposed to be their first ever commemorative coin. After the preliminary designs were done, French diplomats objected, because De Gaulle did not want to have his portrait on any legal tender coin. The planned coin was hastily converted into a medal instead. The large 45.4mm piece features the Paraguayan arms, depicting a lion guarding a liberty cap, on the obverse. The reverse pictures French President Charles De Gaulle and Paraguay President Alfredo Stroessner. The bronze medal has an oxidized (antiqued) finish. It was struck in a Switzerland with a very limited mintage. It is a scarce and interesting items that are rarely ever offered for sale.

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HISTORIC CALIFORNIA BICENTENNIAL MEDAL

San Jose’s La Fiesta de Las Rosas celebration began in 1896. It was originally modeled after Pasadena’s Rose Parade as a way to bring tourists into town. It developed into a week long festival that celebrated San Jose as a "garden city", the areas rich agriculture and the community’s Spanish heritage. San Jose was founded in 1777 as the first Spanish civil settlement in what is now California. Over the years, the celebration had its ups and downs. In 1901 President William McKinley attended the festivities. In the 1920’s and 1930’s the festival had nationwide fame and brought thousands of visitors into San Jose.

In 1969 an attempt was made to revive the once popular festival. Preparations were made and a commemorative medal was struck for the upcoming event. Mexican-Americans in the community objected to the festival, claiming that the festival ignored the city’s Mexican heritage, honored the conquistadores who enslaved the natives of Mexico, and thought the money could be better used for improving the community. A riot broke out which left dozens injured and 23 arrested. (Remember this was the late 1960’s - protests and riots were regular events.) The festival was permanently canceled, though since then there have been occasional efforts to bring back a similar event under a different name.

The 32mm oxidized bronze medal commemorates a number of events loosely connected to the Fiesta de Las Rosas. One side depicts a map of California featuring San Jose, with the legend "SAN JOSE FIRST STATE CAPITAL / SANTA CLARA COUNTY" around the rim. To the right of the map is the legend "THIS COIN / CONTAINS / COPPER LEFT BY / EARLY SPANISH / EXPEDITION, / FOUND ON / OLD MISSION / GROUNDS, / SANTA CLARA. " The other side commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the first European land exploration of California by Gaspar de Portolá and Father Junipero Serra. Portolá is depicted on a horse, with Father Serra walking behind him. Below them is the legend "PORTOLA EXPEDITION" and the dates 1769 and 1969 separated by a rose. The legend "CALIFORNIA BICENTENNIAL / LA FIESTA DE LAS ROSAS" is around the rim. Thus it is a medal containing copper from the early Spanish expedition that commemorates the 1969 Fiesta De Las Rosas, the Portolá Expedition, California Bicentennial and San Jose as the California’s first state capital.

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1939 GOLDEN GATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MEDAL

The 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition was a World's Fair held on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. One side of this 32mm aluminum medal features the official seal of the Exposition, which incorporates the newly constructed San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge and the 400 foot "Tower of the Sun". The other side of the medal features both a steam and diesel-electric locomotive engine and the logo of the Union Pacific Railroad. The legend around the rim reads "ROAD OF THE STREAMLINERS AND THE CHALLENGERS" "UNION PACIFIC" . Below the Union Pacific Shield is the legend "ALUMINUM IN THESE / FAMOUS TRAINS / FURNISHED BY / ALUMINUM COMPANY OF AMERICA". The Streamliner was a streamlined light-weight diesel-electric passenger locomotive that was introduced in 1934. The Challenger was a huge articulated 4-6-6-4 steam locomotive that was introduced in 1936. It was nearly 122 feet (37 meters) long and weighed more than a million pounds (450,000 kg.). This medal has long been popular with train buffs, world's fair collectors. as well as numismatists. It is in Uncirculated condition. I have seen this offered elsewhere for as much as $45 each. Our price is MUCH less for this popular and attractive medal.

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA "HOLLY TROLLEY" TOKEN

The Holly Trolley was a bus line that operated only from 8PM to 4AM in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles. It carried bar hoppers, partiers, movie stars and tourists on a fixed route through Hollywood. Stops were conveniently located near popular bars and restaurants. The fare was $1, however many bars would give these ride tokens to patrons. The service started in January 2006 and was operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. It was designed to keep drunks off the road and help avoid parking congestion. The bus was discontinued after only 18 months. The obverse 34mm aluminum tokens pictures the Holly Trolley bus with the legend " HOLLY TROLLEY HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA". The reverse features the logo of the Nederlander Organization, which operates live theatres throughout the United States, including Los Angeles and on Broadway. I expect this to be a popular token as Hollywood and transportation tokens are both popular with collectors.

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END OF A MIRACLE IN TITUSVILLE FLORIDA 

The Miracle City Mall was a large (275,000 square feet - 25,500 m2) indoor shopping mall in Titusville, Florida.  Built in 1969, it was the closest shopping mall to the Kennedy Space Center.  It thrived for years; however with the recession, the end of the Space Shuttle program and changes in shopping habits, the aging mall lost its tenants and was closed in January 2013.  It soon became an empty eyesore.  In 2015 the Mall was demolished and construction of new shopping center, named Titus Landing, was begun on the site.  A 39mm aluminum medal was issued to commemorate the transition.  One side depicts the old Miracle City Mall sign, and the dates 1969-2015.  The other features the logo of the new Titus Landing center.  Both sides bear the name of the city, Titusville Florida.

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ELONGATED TOKENS CELEBRATE OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY IN THE COIN BUSINESS

2010 marked our 40th anniversary of selling coins by mail (Internet did not exist way back then). To celebrate the event we created two elongated (rolled) coins utilizing some of the tokens we had struck for our 25th anniversary in the coin business. One rolled token is good for $4.00 in trade and was created from our good for $2.50 in trade token. The other is a Good for $1.40 in trade, rolled from our good for 50c in trade token. Both tokens feature our cash coin logo, and our address and "40TH ANNIVERSARY 1970-2010". The tokens were created by Oded Paz, utilizing a special process that kept much of the relief of the underlying design on the reverse, so our cash coin logo and old Merced mailing address is plainly visible on the reverse. Approximately 200 of each type were minted. We offer the tokens at their face value. They may be redeemed at any time for merchandise from our website, catalogs or at our table at coin shows that we attend.