Description

This is a c.1860 game marker made in Europe specifically for the American market. Liberty head on one side with encircling stars w/ US Federal eagle on the other and motto “IN UNITATE FORTITUDO”. (Strength in Unity) Nice moderately used condition. Would display nicely with period games, etc., or make a great watch fob. Marked “SPIELMUNZE” in very small letters on one side, “SP.MARKE” on the other. Spielmunze designates the item as “play” money and the other a game marker to distinguish from legal tender. Most were made in Germany to avoid US counterfeiting laws. They originate in Europe simulating real coins in the 18th century. They were used as Whist counter markers, and also documented as used as exchangeable tokens in card playing establishments in their associated facsimile values. (notably in and near Gold Rush regions) This one, made in brass was fashioned after the 1850 US 20$ gold piece. They were also used in some schools on a counting board to teach mathematics.