I found this the other day and cannot find it online anywhere. I absolutely hate it when people ask, "What is this" then proceed to give inadequate descriptions and no photo. I will try to give as much information as I can in the hopes that someone may be able to share their knowledge. It make me think "souvenir" but I am darned if I can find souvenir from what! It measures 36mm across and is decorated with the state military seal of Pennsylvania (horses rampant instead of the Indian corn and the olive branch) It also bear the state motto "Virtue Independence Liberty". Around the edge is written "POPULATION 2,300,300.PENN." and "46,000 SQUARE MILES" AND "*1855*". The reverse is where it get interesting in that it has the days of the week on the outer edge and a rotating disk in the centre that aligns to give you a handy day/date counter. The edge is millgrained as is the inner edge of the edge, if you follow my meaning.
I find this very interesting and have searched a little, but came up empty. There has to be an exonumia specialist somewhere who can identify it. Don't give up...
Thanks for the response Abe, I appreciate the encouragement. I assure you that if I find out anything independantly I will post it here for others.
My guess is that it's a perpetual calendar token and it's very unique and rare. My guess is also that when these were made they didn't make too many of them. I mean maybe they made 10 or 20 at a time. Tomorrow someone else will give you more information as I'm sure someone from that area will know more. Also, since this item doesn't have any other verbiage on it to indicate an advertiser, it may have been issued by the state capitol as a souvenir that ppl could purchase. I'm just sayin', I mean this is simply what I think it is and how it got around. I also think it's fairly safe to say that it's worth some bucks. Do yourself a favor and don't put it on an ebay auction. Keep it and study it until you absolutely have concrete facts on what it is and how much it is worth. Very nice!!
"My guess is that it's a perpetual calendar token and it's very unique and rare." I had certainly hoped so. "Keep it and study it until you absolutely have concrete facts on what it is and how much it is worth. Very nice!! " The local coin dealer said he had seen only one in his whole life, then proceeded to tell me he would give me ten bucks for it. Oddly enough, I declined.
Was he intentionally or UNintentionally being humorous? I cannot help it but when I hear comments like that It really tickles me, cause the dealer is telling me something about himself that he probably would not want me to know.
I see those come up on Ebay every so often. I've bought three over the past five years and they usually go for between $20-30. I've given them all away to family in PA though. I say it's a cool piece to have. I agree I don't think many were made. But then, all the ones I had were from different stores in the Pittsburgh area so I have to assume at one time large department stores gave these out to customers. Guy~