Help Identify This Whatsit Coin Please

[Big Fang Coin Biter]

Has anyone seen a coin/token like this one (coin left, rubbing right)? It is the size of a U.S. half dollar and made of pewter or possibly aluminum. As you can see it must have been run over in the gravel for years. I used a little electrolysis to get it looking like this. The front has an angel holding a globe-looking thing and playing a trumpet, I think. I was really surprised when the rubbing of the back showed the text across the middle. So far I cannot read any of the text. I am thinking that it may be in a different language. No luck looking it up on google either. Anybody??

This was the deepest "coin" dug at an old school site that dates back to the 1870's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated - the thing is starting to get to me.

Thanks and HH - BF

 

[TokenDigger]

Neat find. It looks like a token from the Elgin National Watch Co. that was issued in the 1870s. The company gave these away with their watches. One side features a winged man holding a scythe in one hand and a large watch in the other hand with the words going around: The Elgin National Watch Company Of Elgin Ills. Incorporated 1865. The other side should read: Elgin National Watch Co. This Certifies That Lever Movement No. (there should be a number engraved here) Maf'd Elgin Nat. Watch Co. Was Manufactured By Us Of The Best Materials Ans Is Warranted And A Good Time Keeper. There are other varieties of this with some differences in this wording. It was made out of white metal. This is listed in the book Standard Catalog of United States Tokes 1700-1900 by Russell Rulau. He lists a value of $5 in fine condition to $30 in uncirculated condition. I could not find a picture of it but you may want to check on line, especially eBay or Google. HH.

 

[Big Fang Coin Biter]

I found a pic of the front from a past auction, no pic to the back though. Man is it nice to quit squinting at this token! The "guy" looks a little devilish...
Thanks again and HH - BF

 

[TokenDigger]

That certainly is the token I was talking about. I think that figure represents Father Time but it is a little strange as you say. Then again, maybe it wasn't so strange back in the 1870s. Neat find and it really places that school site to the late 1800s. HH

 

[HRife]

TokenDigger, you are the man! Nice call and great observational skills!

Great to find something that validates a site.


Neat find (

Neat find. It looks like a token from the Elgin National Watch Co. that was issued in the 1870s. The company gave these away with their watches. One side features a winged man holding a scythe in one hand and a large watch in the other hand with the words going around: The Elgin National Watch Company Of Elgin Ills. Incorporated 1865. The other side should read: Elgin National Watch Co. This Certifies That Lever Movement No. (there should be a number engraved here) Maf'd Elgin Nat. Watch Co. Was Manufactured By Us Of The Best Materials Ans Is Warranted And A Good Time Keeper. There are other varieties of this with some differences in this wording. It was made out of white metal. This is listed in the book Standard Catalog of United States Tokes 1700-1900 by Russell Rulau. He lists a value of $5 in fine condition to $30 in uncirculated condition. I could not find a picture of it but you may want to check on line, especially eBay or Google. HH.