Picked this US merchant token up the other day and it's become a head scratcher to research. 24mm (fittingly, about the size of a quarter) with the denomination "2 Bits <--> in trade" & a seemingly abstract wave pattern on the reverse (unless it's a stylized monogram like those found on a love token or cuff link - maybe a Gothic R?). Not magnetic, may be made of nickel or similar white metal alloy. I've tried tokencatalog and a few other serlarches and drawn a blank. Any ideas?
I can't find much. It might be a music token, similar to these: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/windsor-cb-monogram-bits-cents-one-4636682025
Interesting. Almost certainly from the late 19th century, I'd say, based upon the style. Though alternately, a circa 1900-1910 date is not impossible, I suppose. It can't be from much later than that. Not surprised it's around the size of a quarter, since that's what "two bits" was, as you know. That term goes way back to the old Spanish 2-reales pieces, which were 1/4 of a Spanish Milled Dollar of 8-reales. (Two reales- two bits.)
The design seems like other merchant tokens of the 1910-1930 era. But, I've had no luck finding any "2 bits" tokens. A phonograph token does seem possible. Not many of those seem to be cataloged, outside of France for some reason.
