funbelow

Thank you Bill. I imagine it must have been redeemable at a business operated by the Hearts. Given the popularity since the internet of hearts as a decorative motif, if there were any information I suppose it would be buried under tons of Valentine's merchandise. I hoped someone might have a price guide or state catalog left from the old days.

Everything I know about it is here - 39mm, aluminum, the words on it. It is obviously a trade token, quite large for a 1 cent token. Though it reads "penny" the cents symbol is used, which makes me think it is likely a US issue. If I knew more about it I probably would not have asked, but thanks.

Any information gratefully accepted.

Soley was a die sinker with a shop on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, and also worked at the mint. He struck medals at every fair and exposition from the time he bought the steam press as surplus until he died around 1905, frequently with the Lord's Prayer on the reverse. He also bought the 12.7mm collars used to strike gold dollars, and struck medals in that size before the crowds, which he sold for a quarter.

Thank you, Constanius. Looking at Vestner's elegant work, my medal seems crude by comparison. If he was the medalist it must have been some very early work. But you have opened an avenue for exploration, and I am grateful.

Interesting article here on H. Alvin Sharpe, who is said to have incented the doubloon as a lightweight "throw" for the crewes. His monogram HAS appears on many of his items, and I noticed it on a few of yours. You did good. http://voices.yahoo.com/a-glimpse-life-h-alvin-sharpe-5406769.html

Its about 69mm, and heavy, uniface, the planchet does not seem to be of even thickness from one side as compared to the other. I believe its pretty old. The lower left (the harpy) and right arms are the older and newer of Nurnberg (Nuremberg), respectively. The botton center arms seem to be a rampant lion supporting the arms of Nurnberg. The top arms, the double headed eagle, were those of the Holy Roman Empire, and the double headed eagle is sometimes seen with the arms shown lower left and right, with the whole melange said to be the arms of Nurnberg. Nurnberg was a Free CIty of the Holy Roman Empire until Napoleon dissolved the Empire in 1806. The Parliaments (Reichstags) of the Empire met frequently in Nurnberg Castle. It appears to have been possibly painted or plated, at any rate covered with something to give it a gold or coppery appearance, which covering has now blackened and is peeling in places. The inscription is "NOSTRAE CHRISTUS FUNDAMENTUM SALUTIS". To either side of the pointy bottom of the uppermost arms, almost in the center, are the initials "V." on the left and "F." on the right. Somebody with the initial V Fecit? Any information, speculation welome.