Good afternoon! Had a customer at a show pull these to inquire about price. Had no idea what they were worth (didn't even bring them to the show on purpose, they just happened to be in a box with other coins.) The customer never came back to my table, so here they sit. Figured I'd ask someone more knowledgeable for some info. The Royal Tailors Chicago, IL, Round, 38mm Coin: 1901 Indian Head Cent Obverse legend: The Royal Tailors Chicago, IL "Pay less and dress better" Reverse legend: "I bring good luck" "Keep me and never go broke" Notes: I was made aware by the customer that many of these older tokens have had the coin replaced. This coin shows evidence of being the original coin, as the obverse shows elements of the outer ring design. I see one example available on eBay (in much worse condition, with what looks like a replacement coin) for $65 (lowered for a sale.) Joe Gibson Motor Co., Crestwood, KY 36mm Coin: 1948 D Lincoln Wheat Cent Obverse legend: "Keep me and never go broke" Reverse legend: "Joe Gibson Motor Co." "Crestwood, KY"
I don't know much about these but I'd be willing to bet Cliff Mishler would love to add these to his token collection.
Unless they relate to a big event [eg: The Chicago World's Fair, or another important Fair] they do not go for a lot, top that I have seen them (non-eBay) sell for is about $10. Unless the topic is really, really interesting. But, as with coins, condition is everything. And these are in nice condition
Did the 0 & 9 take a hit or is that a re-punched mint mark? Hard for me to tell. 1901 has full Liberty and at least two diamonds I can see. Nice condition!
What's funny is that the customer who pulled them out said the exact opposite...lol Gotta love a hobby that has room for all sorts of differing/contradicting viewpoints. Don't think either is the case...maybe it's just lighting/toning/dirt?
Benjamin, do a search of Steve Hayden's past auctions for encased coinage. This should give you an idea of value. Also check out Encased Collectors International (http://www.encasedcollectorsinternational.org/) for more info - there are reference numbers, like any other exonumia.
Thanks! I did remember finding one of the pages on that site from a Google search. Didn't find anything in Steve Hayden's auction archives about encased cents...but did see some cool Civil War encased postage.
In my experience value on these is arbitrary, like with local trade tokens. I'd set the price high and wait for offers.
Kind of what I was thinking of doing. However, with items like this, having no experience and without auction records...what do you consider "high"? $50? $250? $500?
If you're really unsure, set the price moon money high and add an explanation in your description of why you're doing it that way. Then just look at what offers you get and get an idea of what it may be worth from that.
No he didn't, he pulled them out of the OP's stock box. At least that's my reading of the original post.
