Thank you very much, I've had it for a few years and could never find it, you solved one of my problems, thanks again, Ed
If memory serves, these were produced around the turn of the last century; say circa 1905 or so- even before the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922 fired up popular "Egyptomania". But I'll let @willieboyd2 discuss at more length, as he knows much more about these than I. (In fact, everything I know about them I must have absorbed from him.)
I looked at this thread and, to my surprise, saw an old friend. The Egyptian Magic Coin! I have seen versions of this item for years on Internet coin and metal detecting boards, on Ebay, at coin shows, and even in the movies. The coin or token shows Egyptian symbols on both sides, one side has the sphinx and pyramids, the other side has a pharoah and various hieroglyphic symbols. Some are plain round tokens, others have loops for wearing them. They would probably fall into the category of "magic coins" or "good luck coins". They have been around since at least 1905, when a listing for one appeared in the 1905 Sears & Roebuck mail-order catalog. One looks like this: Egypt Magic Coin with Sphinx, Four Pyramids, and Sunburst Egyptian Pharoah seated on throne, throne has cat supports, surrounded by Hieroglyphic symbols Size: 32mm, bronze, weight around 10gm One even made it into the movies, appearing in the 1946 David Selznick film "Duel in the Sun", a "Western" set in the 1880's at a large southwestern cattle ranch. Egyptian Magic Coin in "Duel in the Sun" Jennifer Jones played Pearl, a half-breed "bad girl" who wants to be "good". Preacher Walter Huston gives a medal to Jennifer with the idea that it will keep her "pure". Doesn't work. Sears Roebuck 1905 Catalog listing for a watch fob with a similar coin attached: Sears Roebuck 1905 Catalog listing The 1905 Sears & Roebuck mail-order catalog item is "The latest craze. Gentlemen's fob", silver plated German silver. Although they were sold by Sears in 1905, they were probably mass-produced in the 1920's when the "Egyptian Fad" started with the 1922 discovery of the tomb of the Pharoah Tutankhamun or "King Tut". Supposedly these are sold to tourists in Egypt, but I visited Egypt in 1987 but never saw one for sale there. The ones I have seen are usually brass and 32mm in size, I have not seen the larger silver-plated ones. Some of these coins have a flat relief. The creator and designer of these items is unknown, but the design was probably trademarked at some time. The trademark may still be active. They aren't worth very much, I have seen them sell on Ebay for 99 cents to $10.00. There is more about them on my website (URL below). I am continuing to look for information on these items, if anyone has something to share, please contact me.
