I purchased a mixed lot of coins on craigslist, and at the last minute he threw in this odd coin. He said he has tried to find it online but had no idea how to search for it. My description of the coin... FRONT: Outer Ring, Center Image almost a W shape with a rounded T shape cocked on the right with 5 stars on the left and 5 on the right of the W shape BACK: Completely indistinguishable, my only guess is a U G or W shape? Pictures (I attempted to draw what I could see...) My Drawing (Instagram) Photo of Front (Instagram) My only guess is the front looks like a hand holding a pickaxe? No idea... please help!
My guess is that it is some sort of Mexican coinage or token, perhaps one of the revolutionary issues. Your photo appears to be upside-down. When reversed, it appears to show an eagle clutching a snake, a typical Mexican coinage motif. Maybe you could compare it to this coin: http://www.ngccoin.com/poplookup/world-coin-prices.aspx?category=3194&worldcoinid=13572
I think you have it upside down and it is probably not a coin but an early US Marines button. Eagle holding anchor. Design like these examples---
I wouldn't expect much value in that condition. But I don't know for certain. If you research it some more you might come across some sales data. This is the book. Just uniform buttons - though that includes some civilian uniforms & some historic & political campaign. It's a very helpful book. http://www.amazon.com/Record-American-Uniform-Historical-Buttons/dp/0961358173
