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TOKENS, MEDALS, AND OTHER NEAT STUFF

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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MORE 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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EAST GERMAN MILITARY MEDALS

These medals were awarded to members of the East Germany’s armed forces or border patrol.  These 35mm medals come suspended on a pin-back five sided cloth ribbon.  The medals all utilize the same reverse which feature the insignia of the East Germany’s National People’s Army.  The insignia includes the emblem of East Germany surrounded by the legend "FÜR DEN SCHUTZ DER ARBEITER UND BAUERN MACHT" (For the protection of the workers’ and peasants’ power)  Bronze, silver and gold medals were awarded.  The gold and silver medals are plated. These medals show virtually no usage. Below is a selection of these rarely seen military awards.  As a bonus, each medal also includes the corresponding ribbon bar.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

The Distinguished Service Medals depict the busts of 1950’s era East German sailor, airman and soldier surrounded by the words "FÜR HERVORRAGENDE VERDIENSTE" (FOR OUTSTANDING MERIT) and  "NATIONALE VOLKSARMEE" (NATIONAL PEOPLE'S ARMY).  It was awarded for "Outstanding merit and personal readiness in support of the increase of combat capability and combat readiness"

FAITHFUL SERVICE MEDAL

The Faithful Service Medals depict the flag the German Democratic Republic atop the red communist party flag with the legends "FÜR TREUE DIENSTE IN DER NATIONALEN VOLKSARMEE" (For Faithful Service in the National People’s Army)  The bronze medal was awarded for five years of military service, the silver medal was awarded for ten years of military service, a gold medal was awarded for 15 years of military service, a gold medal with colored flags and the Roman numerals XX on the ribbon was awarded for 20 years of military service.

BORDER GUARD MEDAL OF MERIT

The Border Guard Medals of Merit features a border post and an AK-47 (perhaps to shoot those trying to escape from East Germany) surrounded by the legend "FÜR HERVORRAGENDE VERDENSTE  GRENZTRUPPEN DER DDR" (For outstanding merit   East German Border Guard)

SPECIAL - BUY THE SET AND SAVE!

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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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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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OFFICIAL VATICAN CANONIZATION MEDAL

The Vatican issued this official medal to commemorate the recent canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II by Pope Francis. The high relief 35mm bronze medal features the conjoined busts of John Paul II and John XXIII on the obverse, and the arms of Pope Francis on the reverse. The medal comes in a display box with a certificate of authenticity. Only 30,000 bronze medals were issued. Given the reputation of the two Popes, I expect these will be a popular item.

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RUGGED AMERICANS MEDAL SET

This complete set of 13 original "Rugged American" medals was minted in 1970 by Franklin Mint for the Husky Oil Company. One medal was given out with each purchase at a Husky service station. Husky is a Canadian company that operated service stations in the western United States and Canada. The medals honor 13 famous individuals who helped tame the American West: Sacajawea, Crazy Horse, Wyatt Earp, Chief Joseph, William Clark, Buffalo Bill Cody, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, Bat Masterson, Meriwether Lewis, Black Hawk, Kit Carson and Wild Bill Hickok. Each 26mm (1”) bronze medal comes sealed in its original Husky Oil Company wrapper. Also included is a frameable 8” x 10” board to house the collection, a booklet about the “Rugged Americans” and a promotional brochure. It is a great, old, historical collection at a very reasonable price. The set looks very nice and makes a great gift when framed.

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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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1838 ANTI-SLAVERY TOKEN RESTRIKE

This modern token combines the designs of two of the most famous anti-slavery tokens ever produced. The original design was done in 1787 by William Hackwood under commission by Josiah Wedgewood. It featured a pleading slave in chains with the legend “AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER”. The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade issued a token utilizing the design in 1787 A similar design, featuring a woman and the legend “AM I NOT A WOMAN AND A SISTER” soon followed. Josiah Wedgewood issued ceramic medallions and other items utilizing both designs. Others made a variety of merchandise utilizing the designs as well. In 1838 the American Anti-Slavery Society struck a Hard Times token utilizing the “AM I NOT A WOMAN…” design. It was struck by John Gibbs of Belleville New Jersey who had struck the famous 1833 Liberia cent. The token often circulated as a cent. The Society also commissioned a pattern utilizing the “AM I NOT A MAN…” design, however the issue was stopped by the director of the United States Mint. This modern copper-plated zinc 27mm token combines the obverses of both of the 1838 Hard Times Tokens, utilizing the issued female and unissued male token designs. The initial issue of 1000 pieces was struck during Black History Month, February 2010.

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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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A 10 CENT DRINK FROM FRAZER'S TAVERN

This 23mm aluminum “Good for 10 Cents in Trade” token was issued by Frazer’s Tavern, 201 West Illinois St. in Evansville, Indiana. The business operated from 1939 to 1977. Though Frazier’s Tavern is long gone, a bar still occupies the same, old, brick building. The token was probably issued between the 1940’s and the early 1960’s, when a drink could be purchased for 10 cents.

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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.