This is one of my uncle's. I presume this token comes from Germany. If anyone here can identify it and tell me how it was used, I'd appreciate it. The reverse is blank, save for the little dots circling the perimeter.
This is known as a Wertmarken which means 'money token'. This is a general generic german token minted by several different companies and bought by businesses to be redeemed or used in stores (like your generic token for video games). Often times they are countermarked. I have a 10 Wert-marke counter marked with a 'T'. The most famous manufacturer of Wert-marken was L. Christian Lauer in Nürnberg, but there were several other manufacturers. Probably minted between 1900-1940, except for 1915-1923 when most copper was used during WWI and hyper inflation 1922-23 needed higher values. It may be impossible to trace the origin of each token as they all used the same design. Mine looks like yours as it has 'wert-marke' above the denomination '10' with a countermarking 'T' under the 10, the reverse has a large 10 on it. Minw looks like brass or bronze. Not a lot of info about them but I did find out that they are private tokens for businesses. Just like any token, there are still companies that are making generic tokens, just not like these older types.
Drusus, I finally (finally, finally, finally!) am getting around to finishing cataloging my uncle's coins tonight so I can return them to him on Thanksgiving when I see him. In trying to refresh my memory regarding this token, I found this old thread, and realized I never thanked you! I'm sorry, and a really appreciate your help-- two-and-a-half years ago...
