Does anyone have one of these tokens that have the "Our Father" prayer on the back of it? I bought one awhile back for a couple of dollars and it's one of my favorite tokens. Anyways, I just saw a couple on ebay and it looks like the price is moving up. One of them is going for a BIN price of $14.99 plus some more money for shipping. That's quite a bit. This pic I'm posting is off of ebay, mine looks way better but it's too late for me to take a pic of mine as it's not that easy to get to. Just thought I would mention that the US mint made a couple different tokens but IMO I think this little guy is the best. :thumb:
I have 4 or 5 of those. One of my minor collections is of tokens with the Lord's prayer on it. It is a nice token, I like the design and quality of workmanship.
I don't think this was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Ye Olde Mint was in operation from 1792-1832 and in January, 1833, the second Mint building began operations. This medal was probably produced by a private mint much later than 1832. Chris
I have been checking this out on the web. There are two very different explanations as to where it came from. First one found was that it was made for an exposition in the late 19th century. The second one was that it was made by the mint to show off the new steam press. I found one on Ebay which is not in the best shape, but for $15 dollars it was worth buying (I found an auction that told the steam press story. It was expected to go for $75 to $90) Anyone know the true story?
This is the website with the auction. http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1390189 Not sure if the website is just blowing hot air.
Actually, I think the US Mint medal was minted more than one time. The first being by the mint to commemorate the first mint. The later mintings for the expositions during the late 19th century. I have found too many for sale to think it was done only one time for the US mint workers (some may also be forgeries). Does not matter to me whether it is the original or else done later. I am becoming a collector of early medals especially the 1876 centennial exposition. My only frustration is that the standard reference book I bought last week has not come yet.
The mint DID make a medal to "show off" the new steam press, but this wasn't it. In fact they didn't HAVE a steam press in 1832. It came in 1836.
Until I get my books on medals (one of which I will get tomorrow), I need to depend on internet information. The internet gave three stories concerning this medal 1. It was from an exposition in the late 19th century 2. It was from the centennial exposition 3. It was given to mint workers. They seem to imply early in the 19th century As I said, too many seem to be around for it to be exclusively for the mint workers. The internet gave conflicting stories about this. I do not mind when it was struck because any way it is historical and that is all I care about. If you know more about this, I would appreciate the information.