Bought this today on a whim for $15 at the ANA. I like the subject matter with the bear... anyone have any info on it?
1915 San Francisco Pacific PanAmerican International Exposition? I found this: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/19021-bear-token.html And in that thread, I found this: "It's the token portion of a novelty item called an "edge spinner." Check the edge, and you will probably find a couple of bumps or indentations. These are the points on which the token pivoted within a small frame. Flicking the edge made the token spin rapidly, and the images of both sides would appear together-- in this case, creating a risque view of the two bears mating."
Also, the Pan-Pacific is a viable collector's choice. If you sell, I could imagine you should at least double your money.
From http://www.goldbergcoins.net/catalogarchive/20020218/chap104.shtml#046881 February 2002 "Lot 1800 1915-S Panama-Pacific International Exposition Silver Token. The token grades Extremely Fine. We've never seen anything like this, the token is apparently silver, with one side showing a nicely engraved rampant bear with his snout just about touching the date 1915, the other side has a similar well engraved walking bear with the initials PPIE for the San Francisco Pacific PanAmerican International Exposition. The surfaces are toned with an antique gray color and the rim is plain (not reeded). A simple design, but no doubt historically important with the California bear and the reference to the Exposition. Something that is definitely worth some research, as it is certainly very unusual. Estimated Value $100-UP." Looking at hammer prices for this auction, it realized $110.00, plus 15% BP. http://images.goldbergauctions.com/php/prs.php?lang=1&sale=13
As a spinner item, if you can come across the gadget it fit into, then you could likely really get a great price.
