Sept. 23-24, 2002, The Pre-Long Beach Auction, Sale 16

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Tokens

 

Lot 890
1776. Rare and desirable Calendar Token. This one grades Extremely Fine. These tokens were struck in very limited quantities by John Powell of the Birmingham mints and many were widely exported to the colonies where they were very popular wedding gifts. The complex engraving notes many of the important Church holidays, as well as the King, Queen and Prince of Wales birthdays. No doubt these were carried by the designated schedulers in every "modern" household, and these tokens would have been consulted to verify when Lent began, or Advent and other similar days. Seldom encountered and always popular, Calendar tokens later developed moving parts and could be used from year to year. This early version is simply a large struck token, in excellent condition, and with the immensely popular date of 1776 will no doubt find many suitors.
Estimated Value $100-UP.

 

Lot 891
1847. California Counter Token. EF-45. This is a token that on the obverse resembles the current design and size of the United States $10 gold piece, the reverse states CALIFORNIA COUNTER and shows a large United States flag at the center. These were used exactly like gambling chips in the Casinos and Taverns of the soon to begin Gold Rush era in California. Clean fields and devices, the edge has a few minor nicks though. Listed on page 88 of Tokens and Medals by Alpert & Elman.
Estimated Value $100-UP.

 

Lot 892
1890. Love token pin, with clasp, reverse with "JRS" in finely engraved letters. Mounted on an 1890 Morgan dollar, with a working clasp mounted on the obverse. The reverse has been totally and finely engraved JRS, complete with a new border, perhaps for Mr. James R. Sinnock, the Mint Engraver who designed the Franklin half dollar.
Estimated Value $75-UP.

 

Lot 893
Bronze Medal Commemorating the Directorship of Horatio C. Burchard to the U.S. Mint. Almost Uncirculated. A handsome restrike, perhaps reissued sometime early in the last century, in a nicely toned coppery color. The bearded bust left appears to be a figure of probity and dignity. The reverse with the date of appointment, February 22, 1879, within wreath. A few modest handling marks, otherwise medal nicely preserved.

Burchard served a stint in the Illinois State House of Representatives, and later did a turn in the U.S. Congress. He was appointed as Mint Director by President R.B. Hayes. Along with Charles Barber, he worked on the production of Hawaii's coinage for Kalakaua I, which was based on designs by island sugar magnate, Klaus Sprekels. Burchard resigned from his post in 1886, and returned to being a practicing lawyer.

Estimated Value $100-200.

 

Lot 894
1990. A Cased Set of Seven Western-themed Gambling Tokens from the Santa Fe Casino, Las Vegas. Mint State. Seven $1 tokens are housed in a velvet case of deep red. Struck in brass, the pieces with rich gold tone, with proof like devices. A fun group, featuring 'Cowboys 'n;' Indians' motifs, such as: a stagecoach, a scenic cactus with wagon wheel and skull at base, a tepee, an Indian "Thunderbird," a steer skull, and a sign post for Santa Fe. The seventh in antique bronze finish has the head of an Indian chief in war bonnet. All are generally very pristine. Lot of 7 coins.
Estimated Value $150-250.

 

Lot 895
1990. Excalibur's "Dollar Proof Set" of One dollar Gambling Tokens, the "Limited Collector's Edition." Uncirculated. Seven $1 tokens are housed in a deluxe leatherette case. Struck from "Royal German Silver," the pieces are pleasantly artistic, with the Merlin token having 24 kt. gold plate over the central fields. The rest, all in white metal finish, feature such devices as: a Fair Maiden between two jousting knights; The Dragon, atop a rock and breathing fire; Jousting Knights in vigorous battle; Arthur and Guinevere; Lady of the Lake, holding Arthur's sword; and The Minstrel, playing to an attentive damsel. All are in a nice uncirculated grade, a few with occasional light handling marks. Lot of 7 coins.
Estimated Value $150-250.

 

Lot 896
1992. Frank Sinatra Memorabilia from Las Vegas: A Special Presentation Gambling Token. Uncirculated. In antique-finished bronze, the piece was made as a token of remembrance for guests attending the birthday festivities of "Ol' Blue Eyes" at the Desert Inn, on December 12, 1992. The event was Sinatra's 77th birthday celebration. This is shone on one side of the piece, along with a pair of star-studded dice. The reverse with the Desert Inn logo, along with musical notes. The token, in a capsule, show only a few light handling marks, otherwise quite pristine. Comes along with special gold-stamped black velour pouch.
Estimated Value $100-200.

 

Lot 897
1994. Deluxe Cased Set of Special VIP Gambling Tokens in Silver, for the Opening of "Treasure Island." Gem Proof. The fine hardwood case holds four silver tokens of $1, $5, $25, and $100 values. Each token with a different image, with the obverse and reverse being the same. In ascending value, the pieces depict: a pirate skull over crossed sabers, a galleon, a parrot with pirate tricorn, and the Treasure Island logo over crossed swords. The silvers finely crafted, with matte and polished proof surfaces. Made for special VIP presentation during Treasure Island's grand opening at the Mirage, this is one of sixteen sets issued. The set pristine; the coins with a hint of toning along the edges. Lot of 4 coins.
Estimated Value $400-500.

 

Lot 898
1994. Two Deluxe High Value VIP Gambling Tokens, issued at the Grand Opening of the Luxor Hotel. Gem Uncirculated. In capsules in a blue velvet case, the tokens are in $25 and $100 values. Both in silver, the lesser token with the beauteous Nefertiti. The $100 piece features King Tut's golden mask. This naturally highlighted in 24 kt. gold plate, with proof-like fields. Made for special VIP presentation during the Luxor's grand opening festivities, this is one of twelve sets issued. The set pristine. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $400-500.

 

Lot 899
Circa 1996. A Fun Set of Collector's Dollar Gambling Tokens issued by the Luxor. Mint State. A group of seven $1 tokens in brass, each with a different, colorful, coated decal with assorted Egyptian motifs. Included are: the Giza pyramids, armored Ramses in his war chariot, the Sphinx, King Tut's golden mask (of course!), the famous portrait of Nefertiti in the Berlin Museum, plus two with famous pieces of gem-set gold jewelry from Tut's tomb -- a winged scarab holding solar motif, and the Horus falcon holding two ankhs. The reverse sides with the Luxor emblem. In handsome blue cloth case, embroidered with Luxor logo. Lot of 7 tokens.
Estimated Value $150-200.


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