Exonumia: Engraved & Enameled Half-Dollar

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by wlwhittier, Sep 14, 2013.

  1. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Peripheral Member

    I found this while looking for something else; I've had it for 15-20 years.

    There's a correct name for the item, and also a term for the technique used on the obverse. I cannot recall what they are...can you?

    Thumb-tack type stud affixed to the reverse; was it a cufflink? Seems large for that.

    What series was the coin?

    All comments welcome, thanks.

    P1090351.JPG P1090355.JPG
     
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  3. Rassi

    Rassi #GoCubs #FlyTheW #WeAreGood

    Are you thinking of a "Love Token"?
     
  4. vdbpenny1995

    vdbpenny1995 Well-Known Member

    Love token button?
     
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  5. spirityoda

    spirityoda Coin Junky

    love token button. yup. nice 1 too.
     
  6. Circus

    Circus Tokens Only !! TEC#4981

    Because everyone wore a suit coat at work or to and from work in the olden times. It would have been worn in the button hole were a boutonniere flower would go.
     
  7. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Peripheral Member

    Yes! Love Token it is...Thanks.

    Now what's the process called, other than Enameled Engraving?

    And, when was the last date of mintage for that coin?
     
  8. BooksB4Coins

    BooksB4Coins Newbieus Sempiterna

    1891 for the type, but the S w/ motto was minted between 1866 and 1878. It's not a 78, but with a little effort, it may still be possible to pinpoint the date, or at least likely candidates, even without having the obverse to work with.
     
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  9. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Peripheral Member

    Thank you!

    3 questions, please:
    What 'motto', and was it exclusive to 'Frisco?
    What would be clues for 'likely candidates' on the date?
    What indicator precludes 1878?

    I could see sending the token to someone who might be able to ID more closely after close-up examination. Again, my gratitude for your helpful comments.
     
  10. Circus

    Circus Tokens Only !! TEC#4981

    The love tokens value, generally is based on the workmanship and design of the token side not based on the coinage it is on since at this point the coin is worthless as a collector piece.

    You have a very nice one in that one, knowing the exact date will not really increase the value. Unless it is a family piece and you are trying to pin point the date of the two parties involved.
     
  11. BooksB4Coins

    BooksB4Coins Newbieus Sempiterna

    You're very welcome, sir.

    -"With motto" coins (located above the eagle "IN GOD WE TRUST") were first minted in 1866, and were not S-mint only. While there were "no motto" 66-S examples minted, w/ motto examples are much more common.

    -The mintmark. From 1866-1878, different sizes/styles were used, and this is how I can assure you that it is not an 1878-S, as there was only one die pair used for the entire mintage of 12k coins with a different (much smaller) mintmark.


    Circus is generally correct in that the date will have little to do with any value such a piece has, but there are the rare exceptions in cases where a coin can definitively be nailed down to a specific high value date or variety. With your coin, if you want to get a better idea of the date, it should only be for the challenge, or just for the sake of knowing. I would start with trying to match or exclude the mintmark from certain dates or varieties by using the link below. Please understand that this is not the definitive reference on motto S-mint SL halves, but is a decent and free starting point. In most cases, you can google the date and WB# to locate photos when none are provided. If this is something you wish to pursue, and have any other questions, please feel free to ask along with posting a straight on photo of the mintmark.

    Glad to see you’re still around, W.



    http://blog.davidlawrence.com/index.php/seated-half-dollars-year-mintmark-major-variety-analysis/
     
  12. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Peripheral Member

    Wow!

    No family link, just a nice shiny thing I picked up awhile ago, mostly for the workmanship...even before I began to 'collect' coinage.

    Now the aspect that interests me in this vein is VAM Morgan varieties...but it's pretty intimidating. My eyes are shot, so it's tedious and wearying to examine them with the patience necessary. I inherited many from Dad (as bullion) and have added to the pile. One day soon...Sigh!

    Thanks, BB4C, for your detailed response...wlw
     
  13. Searcher64

    Searcher64 Member

    Looks as a love token, that was used as a button, being a half dollar. Could be a keeper for a belt, on a hat. Was it found in a Western state ?
     
  14. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    It is a beauty
     
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  15. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Peripheral Member

    Yep...Eastern Washington State, near Pullman.
     
  16. Searcher64

    Searcher64 Member

    Hats were a big thing in the West, so, that would be my guess then.
     
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