I was given this token probably close to a decade ago, and it was purchased from eBay IIRC. I have occasionally tried to look it up, but never have had much luck. There does appear to be another on eBay right now. Measurements 31x30 mm (mine is irregular too, but it's in a drawer somewhere and I don't have a precise measurement). It's a very thin flan, but no weight at the moment. and this current eBay auction (by an also mystified seller): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jetton-Toke...6f184ac&pid=100290&rk=2&rkt=4&sd=263018377895 The griffin makes me think of Rostock, but google-fu has not been a big help (other than finding me the current eBay auction).
Whatever it is, I like it. But is that a griffin? I thought it was a camel type animal. I'm going to say it is from Moorish Spain or North Africa. I keep thinking - Algiers (but that was French territory). Wait! Portugal? I'm going to say Portugal. Maybe something to do with slave trade? Good puzzle.
That shot may have skinnied out the neck a little, but it definitely has the front part of an eagle/bird and the back parts of a lion/mammal-with-a-tail-and-paws. The photo on the eBay link has a bit more contrast. Griffin/griffon/gryphon made me think Rostock and Pomerania too. also makes me think of a few jetons with the heraldic business on the reverse and no denomination.
I found a Latin Translator: HIS = These/This TVTA = protect/guard against SVB = underneath ALIS = (many options) wing (most likely); upper arm/foreleg/fin; armpit; squadron (cavalry), flank, army's wing, feed, nourish, rear, nurse, suckle; cherish; support, maintain, develop So maybe it's saying: "safe under this wing" Couldn't find the coin though... Sorry.
You've made great progress!! Might it be issued by a private security force? It would not have been issued by pirates themselves, would it? No, it would have skulls or something like that on it. But it does that fierce animal. And a treasure chest. But the year mark makes it look official. And the crest on the back. Probably issued by a government. Yummy mystery. I had to put my head down to do some work but when I get done, I'll search around and see what else can be found.
it's a token from the Spanish Netherlands Dugniolle #4197 shield of Van der Haege HIS TVTA SVB ALIS 1663
Hmm my post got eaten...or this may be a double post. Thank you all so much for the translation and attribution!!! I was thinking German State or possibly French. Naturally that makes it Spanish and Dutch . Now I know where to find some reading. A 10+ year mystery answered.
And, with that, I found this: http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotvi...Lot=1353&Val=42b3046740c1d81193f4b4104147495b
View attachment 634900 Since I did not know what a jetson was, I went to look it up. I was surprised to learn jetsons were used rather like the beads on an abacus, only they were laid out on a cloth. I found some basic information about them and a wood cut showing how they were used. Here is the link if anyone has not seen how these beautiful 'counters' were used as calculation tools. (perhaps a new CT member like me?) I plan to read more about them later. I think I should have one in my world coin collection. http://www.chicagocoinclub.org/projects/PiN/juh.html CT is such a cool website for learning new things.
Excellent link! I only have a vague understanding of the history of jetons and that was very interesting!
