Moneta's Temple and Gallery

USA - Morgan Eagle Dollar tribute of The Smithsonian Collection

Moneta — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:33:34 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: The Smithsonian Collection (Washington DC) has minted many varieties of coins, and coin patterns, etc. as restrikes. It's an amazing variety of reproductions but most are not per the originals and do not display 'COPY'. Most are seldom seen for sale and I can't find a list of what has been minted over the years. It would appear that the mintages, especially in the precious metals, are fairly scarce. One exception is are the restrikes of the Confederate States of America one cents that are available readily in platinum, gold, silver and copper. This Morgan Dollar is .5 ounce of .999 gold (15.552 g AGW) in an NGC holder of Proof 70 Ultra Cameo. This is the original Stacks & Bowers auction photo.

Service on the Mexican Border 1916

Moneta — Mon, 08 May 2023 16:34:56 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This is good luck pocket piece given to soldiers, usually by family members to take on deployment. This NGC MS63 brown (and probably antiqued) is in unusually good condition and quite rare thus. Many of these soldiers were part of General Pershing push into Mexico to stop border incursions and Pancho Villa. While I have a few examples here in the Moneta Museum, this photo was borrowed from on-line sources in order to display an undamaged example, carried in a pocket, most examples are beat up and worn. There seems to be undocumented varieties. See NGC Census for all Mexican War Types (these are not documented in published books yet). As shown below the catalog reference for these dollar-sized pieces is HK ["So-Called Dollars"; by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen]. The catalog number range for these similar pieces is HK, showing the same WWI type soldier aiming a rifle, but those are WWI and this type is for Border Wars of 1916 - 1917. WWI types in HK are: 892 - 894, in bronze (892, 35mm), brass (893) and white metal (894). There's more to learn because it's clear that this specimen in bronze or copper. Recently an 'SH' reference became available for some in the series, by Jeff Shevlin & Bill Hyder. There's an on-line HK now available at this: https://www.so-calleddollars.com/index.html

USA - 1st Spouse 2010 Buchanan's Liberty

Moneta — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:57:04 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Commemorative issue First Spouse series - James Buchanan's Liberty Obverse: Reproduction of the Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle, (1840 to 1907), originally designed by Christian Gobrecht. Lettering: 1857 1861 IN GOD WE TRUST 2010 W 15TH PRESIDENCY. Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Reverse: James Buchanan during his early youth, when he worked as a bookkeeper in a small country store owned by his family. Lettering: · UNITED STATES OF AMERICA · E PLURIBUS UNUM · $10 · 1/2 Oz. .9999 FINE GOLD Engraver: Joseph Menna Mintage: MS 5,162; Proof: 7,110

USA - $1 Eagle 2021 Type 2

Moneta — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:01:10 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Introduced in 1986, the popular and now-iconic American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins. These popular silver collectibles are struck at the United States Mint, West Point, NY. The classic Walking Liberty design by Adolph A. Weinman featured on the coin’s obverse has long been a collector favorite. After 35 years, this famous design has been refreshed. Thanks to technological advancements in the design and minting process, Liberty now encompasses some of Weinman’s original details that were not previously possible. The reverse design is new. To give the new coins an added level of security, they have also been updated with enhanced security features, including a reeded edge variation. The obverse (heads) features a refreshed depiction of Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. For the 2021 coin, the United States Mint returned to its original historical assets to render a closer reflection of Weinman’s original vision that includes the addition of his traditional artist mark. The new reverse (tails) design features an eagle as it approaches a landing, carrying an oak branch, as if to add it to a nest. Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER," and "ONE DOLLAR." Each coin bears the “W” mint mark reflecting its striking at the West Point Mint. One troy ounce of .999 fine silver. Enhanced security features include an anti-counterfeit reeded edge variation. [US Mint]

USA - Eagle $1 2021, Type 2 Reverse

Moneta — Fri, 21 May 2021 14:29:24 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: The U.S. Mint has issued the American Silver Eagle series annually since 1986 with virtually no changes to its iconic patriotic design. In 2021, the 35th year of issue for the popular series, the Mint is retiring the heraldic eagle (Type-1) image on the reverse and replacing it with a newly designed rendition of the national bird. The Type-2 reverse features an eagle with a branch of oak in its grasp. Oak leaves are a symbol of independence, strength, longevity, truth, and life itself. This 2021 American Silver Eagle coin is one of the first to be released with the Type-2 Eagle Landing design! The bullion coin is struck from 1 Troy oz. of .999 fine silver. The coin measures 40.60 mm in diameter. This coin's enhanced security features include an anti-counterfeit reeded edge implemented for the first time on the series. The obverse features Adolph Weinman's artist initials for the first time in the series. The silver dollar is minted with a stunning Brilliant Uncirculated finish. Exciting Type-2 American Silver Eagle Design Obverse: The obverse features the time-honored rendition of Lady Liberty as a young woman, strolling toward the rising sun while draped in an American flag. The lovely lady cradles a bouquet of long oak and laurel branches, symbols of strength, honor, and triumph. Inscriptions include "LIBERTY," "2021," and "IN GOD WE TRUST." This personification of Liberty by famed early 20th-century sculptor Adolph A. Weinman was first struck upon the circulating Walking Liberty Half Dollar coin in 1916. For the first time in the history of the series Adolph Weinman's initials, "AW" will appear below the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." Reverse: The new Type-2 reverse depicts a magnificently detailed eagle in flight preparing to land, with a branch of oak clutched in its talons. Inscribed "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER," and "ONE DOLLAR." The "Eagle Landing" design is the work of science Illustrator Emily Damstra. Damstra has created interpretive signage for museums, zoos, and natural areas, as well as multiple coinage designs for the U.S. and Royal Canadian Mints. [Modern Coin Mart]

Pirtleville Arizona, New State Bar - 12 1/2 Cents

Moneta — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 20:19:24 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: A metal detector find by my friend (he's also found x2 5 cents tokens as well, near a shell of a formerly nice building, he believes is the New State Bar location) that has to be added to Peter Spooner's "Arizona Trade Tokens." It a bit rough but the only known example. The bar was in operation around 1913 and thus the name of the bar.

USA - Arizona - Camp Harry Jones (Douglas) 22 INF

Moneta — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 19:51:57 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: I'm not seeing this in Spooner (Arizona Tokens) but he may use this photo for a second edition of his invaluable AZ Token Catalog. Nothing much remains of Camp Harry Jones, which was established to protect Douglas and this sector of the border from trouble caused by the Mexican Revolution and WWI German infiltration. While the Camp is not mentioned on the token, we know it to be Camp Harry Jones (renamed so after a soldier by that name was killed by a stray bullet from the Mexican side during the revolutionary disturbances), because Co. 'D' 22 Infantry was stationed there at the time. The 2 & 1/2 (cent) Check for Billiard Hall equipment was made available by the usual Brunswick Balke Collendar Company. Spooner has the dates of 1910 - 1931 for the camp with the naming date of 1916.

U.S.A. Morgan Dollar 1921 - MS 65+

Moneta — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 19:11:50 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This year, 2021, the US Mint will celebrate 100 years of the transition, mid-year, of the dollar type from Morgan to Peace dollar, with a commemorative issue dated 2021. Both types will be represented. I eagerly anticipate getting examples for the Moneta Museum. I'm sure they will be a popular item. This MS 65+ in an ICG holder has a natural golden tone that's evenly covering a rich luster, the coin has minimal marks, none that are distracting. The obverse has a particularly strong strike with full detail in the hair over the ear. The reverse shows a weakness over 'OLL' in Dollar, looks like a strike error, the edge however, is strong throughout. Nearly 44.7 M were struck. BTW, this is a poor photo that does not show the golden toning and accentuates the contact mark in the field in front of the forehead of Ms Liberty.

US Pushed Out Liberty Head Watch Fob

Moneta — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 20:30:14 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This example of a pushed out 3D Liberty Head watch fob was found by my friend, a metal detectorist, in the SE Arizona desert. I've seen these in cases at coin shows and I think they're interesting items. This one is made of gilded copper. The photo was taken with a iPhone 12 Pro Max, it was my 1st experiment in using a cell phone for macro photos, it was aided by external lens, a ShiftCam 75mm Long Range Macro lens. The shot was hand-held and unsupported.

US Standing Liberty Quarter 1920D

Moneta — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 13:11:11 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: I received this as a gift, I liked it enough to post it here because of the uniform steel gray toning. This a toning type which I can't fathom how it came to be. Any answers?

USA Columbian Exposition Half $ - 1892

Moneta — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:27:52 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This is America's first commemorative coin, struck to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the 'New World.' This design was created by Charles Barber after a Spanish medal portrait of Columbus by Olin Levi Warner. These were issued for the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair, in 1893. The reverse features a depiction of Columbus's flagship, the "Santa Maria" above two globes representing the Old and New Worlds. This coin was produced for the World's Columbian Exposition that took place between the 1st of May to October 30, 1893, in Chicago, Illinois, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus to America. According to Tom DeLorey Coinage, May 2016, p. 9, the Columbian Exposition half-dollar "came about when the organization putting on the World’s Fair requested a grant from the U.S. Treasury of $5 million to help build the fairgrounds so it could open." The Treasury, however, gave "only $2.5 million due to the prevailing hard economic times." DeLorey goes on to say that someone "connected with the Fair Authority got the brilliant idea that if the Treasury would provide the $2.5 million in the form of five million commemorative half dollars," then the Fair would need only "to sell the coins for a dollar each" in order to obtain the extra $2.5 million dollars needed. Because of hard economic times, however, "only a few hundred thousand were sold at the premium, the rest were either released into circulation at face value or melted."

USA Stone Mountain Half $ - 1925

Moneta — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 18:50:39 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This plentiful commemorative was designed by Gutzon Borglum, who later became very well known for the creation of Mount Rushmore. First struck on Jan 21, 1925, "Stonewall" Jackson's Birthday, this coin was intended to memorialize "The Valor of the Soldier of the South." Therefore it features the equestrian portraits of Civil War Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. The reverse features a great rendition of an eagle perched on a cliff with wings open. Now, in 2020, with all of the political and fascist revolt and destruction going on, Stone Mountain (Atlanta, GA) is in the news. A misguided few would like to see the destruction this huge bas relief. Distribution is now pegged at 1.3+ million. My personal observation is that many of these were somewhat poorly struck with worn dies. I selected this one because the strike is very good, although the surfaces could be better. The 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar was one of four different commemorative coins issued for the year. The coins were authorized to commemorate the soldiers of the south and recently passed President Warren G. Harding. Ultimately, the former president did not appear on the coin, which instead took focus on two heroes of the south. Gutzon Borglum was the designer of both the obverse and reverse of the coin. He had been commissioned by the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial Association to create a monument to the leaders of the south on the large deposit of visible solid granite. His initial plans were for a carving 200 feet high and 1,300 feet wide. Completion of the monument would not take place until 1970 by a different sculptor and on a smaller scale. The 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollars had a maximum authorized mintage of 5 million coins in order to raise funds for the project. This represented the highest authorized mintage since the 1892 Columbian Half Dollar. Despite a large number of enthusiastic supporters, sales were ultimately 1,314,709. A different design was ultimately used for the actual sculpture on Stone Mountain.

Libertas Americana - v. 2020, silver medal

Moneta — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 15:43:47 -0700

Libertas Americana - v. 2020, silver medal

Moneta — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 15:43:47 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This medal issued by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) is a replica of the "Libertas Americana" (Freedom for America) medals commissioned by Benjamin Franklin in 1792 to commemorate the American victories against the British in Yorktown and Saratoga. This Libertas Americana proof medal is struck from 1 Troy oz. of .999 silver, its mintage is limited 10k. Other examples can be found in palladium, platinum, and gold with much lower mintages. These are so popular and important medals that they have been repeatedly restruck over the last decades. Originals [bronze] are extremely sought after and rare. Symbolic Designs by Esprit-Antoine Gibelin, sculpted by Augustin Dupre, Lady Liberty with flowing hair is featured on the obverse, beside a Phrygian cap on a pole. Inscriptions include "LIBERTAS AMERICANA" and the date of American independence. The reverse depicts an infant (Hercules) crushing two serpents, symbolizing the British military defeat at the battles of Yorktown and Saratoga. The French Allies are represented by the goddess Minerva, illustrated above holding back the Lion of Britain with a shield. Inscribed above "NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS" (The infant is not bold without divine aid), with the victory dates of Yorktown and Saratoga below. Flawless Ultra Cameo Proof 70 with First Release Label. This replica 1776 France Libertas Americana Medal Proof Medal was submitted to Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) for review within twenty-four hours of release and awarded the perfect grade of Proof 70 Ultra Cameo (UC). The 1 oz. silver is normally accompanied by a Mint issued Certificate of Authenticity and a booklet detailing the significance of the Libertas Americana. More Info: The Libertas Americana medal was created under the direction of Benjamin Franklin. While stationed in France during the American Revolutionary War, Franklin received a detailed account of the Yorktown victory and was soon tasked to create a monument in its honor. Franklin responded with a proposal for a medal, rather than a monument, in which the United States would be depicted as the infant Hercules in the cradle, strangling the two serpents sent by Hera; above him, France personified as Athena (Minerva) would act as his nurse and mentor. The design became the medal’s reverse was further developed by both painter Esprit-Antoine Gibelin and engraver Augustin Dupré, each of whom furthered the design of France to also be seen as the protector of the infant as she fights the lioness Britannia who pounces at the child. The obverse iconography depicts Liberty with flowing hair. The obverse image would become the typical image of early American coinage. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: A "Numismatist" article that explores this historic medal can be see at this: https://archive.org/details/Numismatist1990July/page/n59/mode/2up

USA - Apollo XI 5 Dollar - 2019

Moneta — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 12:53:02 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: I lived in Florida, just a few miles inland from the Cape during the Apollo Moon Landing era, my dad worked there at the time. I'll let the US Mint tell you more about this series, I'll use their photo too... The world eagerly watched on July 20, 1969, as Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” E. Aldrin, Jr. took mankind’s first steps on the Moon. This unprecedented engineering, scientific, and political achievement was the culmination of the efforts of an estimated 400,000 Americans and secured our Nation’s leadership in space for generations to come. The Apollo 11 crew—Armstrong, Aldrin, and Michael Collins—safely returned to Earth on July 24, 1969, fulfilling the national goal set in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. Nearly half a century later, the United States is the only country ever to have attempted and succeeded in landing humans on a celestial body other than Earth and safely returning them home. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon, Public Law 114-282 authorizes a four-coin program: a curved $5 gold coin, a curved $1 silver coin, a curved half-dollar clad coin, and a curved 5 ounce $1 silver proof coin. As required by the Public Law, the Mint invited American artists to design a common obverse image that is emblematic of the United States Space Program leading up to the first manned Moon landing. The Secretary of the Treasury selected the design from a juried competition. Gary Cooper of Belfast, Maine, created the winning design in the Apollo 11 Commemorative Coin Design Competition. (US Mint) Of the regular series of issues, including the silver and clad coins, the BU issue of this 5 Dollar gold coin was the lowest at a still respectable 12,035 struck in a cup shaped planchet, that the flattened photo does not show. The text would indicate that only the obverse image (the 1st, or A, moon footprint) of the coin was designed by Mr. Cooper (GC initial is there), so I need to look into the reverse design origins which were based on a another Apollo XI photo. I found an interesting enhanced photo effort by Denis Shiryaev that reveals interesting details of this iconic photo and coin. SEE the site for a short video at this YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX-fL-USJA4

USA - Peace Dollar 1921 High Relief

Moneta — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 15:58:47 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This example of the first year of issue for the Peace Dollar exhibits a strong strike and die state as seen in the ear hair and eagle feathers, additionally it has a nice even peach tone overall. I looked at very many of these over the years before I settled for this MS64. Going a higher grade for an example that has these characteristics would triple the market value. The photo is unable to match the beauty of this coin in hand.

USA - Two Cents, Large Motto 1864

Moneta — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 14:33:33 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: A Nice looking 2 Cent piece, with Large Motto, from the end of the Civil War era. This is the first year of issue for this short lived series that was struck until 1873. This example has a toned ares of iridesence. This coin was designed by chief engraver James B. Longacre and it's the first American coin to bear the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." The shield side is considered the obverse. Expert opinion has stated that this coin has not been dipped or cleaned. Soon after the start of the Civil War, inflation and hoarding caused small change to disappear from circulation. To facilitate coin production, the Coinage Act of 1864 authorized the issue of bronze one-cent and 2-cent pieces. Having both coins may seem redundant, but in the context of a coin shortage, a 2-cent piece would ease the burden on the cent both in minting and in commerce. The 2-cent piece is notable because it was the first U.S. coin to carry the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, now present on all denominations. Both bronze coins were immediately popular, but as the monetary chaos subsided, the 2-cent piece became obsolete. Its mintage declined every year until its demise in 1873.

USA - Connecticut, 300th Year, Charter Oak

Moneta — Sat, 13 Jul 2019 15:05:28 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: 300th Anniversary of the Settlement of Connecticut half dollar commemorative of 1935. I've loved this design since I was but a sprat, now at 69 I've finally have added to a small group of other USA commemoratives I admire. Both the obverse and reverse were designed by Henry G. Kreis. The Charter Oak was an unusually large white oak tree growing on Wyllys Hyll in Hartford, Connecticut in the United States, from around the 12th or 13th century until it fell during a storm in 1856. According to tradition, Connecticut's Royal Charter of 1662 was hidden within the hollow of the tree to thwart its confiscation by the English governor-general. The oak became a symbol of American independence and is commemorated on the recent Connecticut State Quarter. In 1935, for Connecticut's tercentennial, it was also depicted on a postage stamp. Dutch explorer Adrian Block described a tree at the future site of Hartford in his log in 1614 which is understood to be this one. In the 1630s, a delegation of local Native Americans is said to have approached Samuel Wyllys, the early settler who owned and cleared much of the land around it, encouraging its preservation and describing it as planted ceremonially, for the sake of peace, when their tribe first settled in the area. [Wikipedia, which has more interesting history, see 'Charter Oak'] "It has been the guide of our ancestors for centuries as to the time of planting our corn; when the leaves are the size of a mouse's ears, then is the time to put the seed into the ground." [Harriet L. Keeler (1900). "Our Native Trees and How to Identify Them"] "The Numismatist" (ANA) of Jan. 2022 has a great article on the Charter Oak Commemorative at this: http://onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/frame.php?i=731292&p=&pn=&ver=html5

Lowell AZ - ANDERSON & JOHNSON - LOWELL BAR

Moneta — Mon, 27 May 2019 15:05:05 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: ANDERSON - & - JOHNSON, - PROP. - LOWELL BAR; Rx: GOOD FOR ONE - 12 1/2 c - DRINK OR CIGAR. In operation from -1912 - 1914. R4

Bisbee AZ - J.C. WHITE - BISBEE SMOKE HOUSE

Moneta — Mon, 27 May 2019 14:55:51 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: BISBEE SMOKE HOUSE - J.C. WHITE - PROP. - BISBEE, - ARIZ. LARS [L.A. SUB. (spelling, S/B: 'RUB'.) STAMP CO.] Listed in Birt (-1912 - 1924 -). Currently, there is no listing in "Arizona Trade Tokens 2010" by Peter Spooner, although there's a listing for 'The Smoke House' BIS-787, so this token may be an addition to the new edition. The purchase label says 'circa 1913,'

Bisbee AZ - W.R. CHAFFIN - Saloon

Moneta — Mon, 27 May 2019 14:37:17 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: W.R. CHAFFIN - BISBEE, ARIZ.; Rx: GOOD FOR - 5c - IN TRADE. With 2mm hole, another type like this has an 8 mm hole. This appears to have been a bar or saloon in operation -1905-1914. R3

Bisbee AZ - CHAS. WAHTOLA & BELL, Confectionary

Moneta — Mon, 27 May 2019 14:28:21 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: CHAS. WAHTOLA & BELL - BISBEE, - ARIZONA. Rx: GOOD FOR 5c IN TRADE - W. This is an Arizona Territorial confectionary (Bell) listed as -1903 - 1905. R3.

Bisbee AZ - Hugh McLeod - Pool Hall

Moneta — Mon, 27 May 2019 14:18:19 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: HUGH McLEOD - 12 1/2 c - IN TRADE (both sides) but reverse shows L.A. RUB. STAMP CO. (LARS) below. This was a Pool Hall -1918-1922- (known but open dates). R3 scarcity.

Bisbee AZ - E.B. Wallace - Cigars & Tobacco

Moneta — Mon, 27 May 2019 14:07:30 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: E.B. WALLACE - CIGARS - & - TOBACCO - BISBEE, ARIZ.; Rx: GOOD FOR - 12 1/2 c - IN TRADE An Arizona token listed on the NGC slab (1910 - 1956), unusual for the length of a business [B-18L1].

Tombstone AZ - W. & Mc C. Saloon

Moneta — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:56:24 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: W. & Mc C. - 1 - DRINK; Rx: BRUNSWICK & CO. Obverse outer legend is incuse. Walsh and McCann ran saloons in Tucson (1880), Tombstone and Contention City (1880 - 1881), then in Tombstone alone in 1882. Rarity R10

Tombstone AZ - TURF SALOON

Moneta — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:46:31 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: TURF SALOON - A. GIACOMA PROP.; Rx: GOOD FOR ONE DRINK. Owner was Anton Giacoma, around 1914. Rarity R5 and has a 2 mm cut-out hole.

Tombstone AZ - S. TRIBOLET Saloon

Moneta — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:36:46 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: GOOD FOR - 1 - S. TRIBOLET - TOMBSTONE A.T. - DRINK; Rx: THE J.M. BRUNSWICK AND BALKE CO (pool table). Rarity R9.

Tombstone AZ - TOMBSTONE BAKERY

Moneta — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:29:52 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: TOMBSTONE BAKERY - TOMBSTONE ARIZ.; Rx: GOOD FOR 1 LOAF BREAD. Rarity R8 in square cross design.

Tombstone AZ - SILVER DOLLAR SALOON

Moneta — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:24:56 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: SILVER DOLLAR SALOON; Rx: GOOD FOR ONE DRINK; with 10mm diamond shaped cut-out. Rarity R9 (-1902-).

Tombstone AZ - ROUTH'S LUNCH

Moneta — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:10:55 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: ROUTH'S LUNCH 12 1/2c TOMBSTONE, ARIZ.; Rx: GOOD FOR 12 1/2c IN TRADE; rarity R10

Tombstone AZ - REVENUE BAR

Moneta — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:05:58 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: REVENUE BAR; Rx: GOOD FOR 12 1/2c IN TRADE; rarity R9.

Tombstone AZ to Contention City AZ Stage Ticket

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 12:23:58 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Tombstone, Arizona: Rare Stagecoach Ticket from Tombstone to Contention City. An exceptionally rare item, circa 1880-1887, one of two known Sandy Bob stagecoach tickets issued to paying customers traveling from Tombstone to Contention City. Contention City was a Cochise County mining town founded in 1879 and was the location of the nearest railroad line. Despite being the first town in the area to have a railroad depot, Contention City lasted no more than a decade and became a ghost town by 1890. "Sandy Bob" Crouch operated a successful stage line in Tombstone from 1880 until 1887, when he sold his company. The ticket, 2 3/8" x 1.25", is in mint condition.

Contention City AZ - B.M. Maldonado

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 11:55:45 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: I. O. F. with moose head above banner counterstamped: B.M. MALDONADO - CONTENTION. - A.T. - 1904.; Rx: blank. Unlisted in Spooner. Even though Contention City is well known as a famous and contentious place on the San Pedro River, the location is not listed in Spooner and may mean this is the only token where Contention City is specifically mentioned. This also appears to be a general production token that was holed and then the inscription counterstamped later to avoid the hole. A.T., of course, stands for Arizona Territory with the date of 1904. It almost appears to be a type of I.D. tag. More research needs to be done, probably unique. Contention City was 3 miles north of Fairbank, both were closely associated with Tombstone area mining operations. A U.S. Post office was established there in April of 1880 but discontinued in Nov. 1888. Concerning 'I.O.F.' it's possible this refers to the International Order of Foresters, a "Friendly Society" dedicated to the care of the sick. It's American branch became independent of the British (& Canadian) root organization in 1874.

Dos Cabezas AZ - Queen Pool Hall

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 11:46:29 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: QUEEN POOL HALL - DOS CABEZOS (sic) ARIZ.; Rx: GOOD FOR 10c IN TRADE.

Douglas AZ - Merchants Bar

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 11:42:02 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: MERCHANTS BAR DOUGLAS A.T.; reverse in missing currently, would read as "12 1/2". Date of operation in Spooner is listed as 1907 - 1911 and beyond, rarity R10.

Tombstone AZ - TOMBSTONE R & G

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 11:36:25 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: TOMBSTONE R & G ARIZONA; Rx: GOOD FOR 12 1/2c IN TRADE. This was a Saloon owned by Rybon & George from 1902 - 1904, listed as rarity R10.

Tombstone AZ - QUONG WING SING

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 11:32:46 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: QUONG WING SING - TOMBSTONE ARIZ.; Rx: 10c This was a Chinese owned grocery store around 1902, it's listed as rarity R10.

Tombstone AZ - Prospector Saloon

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 11:28:53 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: PROSPECTOR SALOON - GOOD FOR 12 1/2c IN TRADE; Rx: blank. This rarity R8 token was found in Tombstone.

Tombstone AZ - Pony Saloon J. Marrs

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 10:45:31 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: PONY SALOON JAMES MARRS PROP.; Rx: GOOD FOR A SMILE

Tombstone AZ - Pony Saloon J. Marrs, GF a Smile

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 13:54:28 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: PONY SALOON J.H. MARRS PROP. TOMBSTONE, ARIZ.; Rx: GOOD FOR A SMILE, listed as rarity R9. James H. Marrs, was a frontiersman, proprietor, entrepreneur and one of the town's very first settlers. Born on August 15, 1856 in Beckwith, Fayette County, West Virginia "Jim" as he preferred to be called was the son of shoemaker James J. and his wife Mildred (Rhodes) Marrs. Jim left West Virginia as a young boy to farm in Missouri until 1878 when he headed to the gold country of Leadville, Colorado. But his stay was short; after eight months he went to Arizona Territory and in 1879 settled in Tombstone's silver camp. This token is listed in Birt and Spooner as being issued between 1900 - 1914. While many of the Marrs pieces are One Bit tokens Good For 12 1/2 cents in Trade, this one is only "Good For a Smile." Made of brass, it has an 8 lobed scalloped edge. Rarity for this token in Birt & Spooner is R8, with 7 -12 known. Fortunately, there is a lot of information about this interesting Tombstone pioneer and you can read it all at this link to the "Tombstone Times" (still published today with a digital subscription), it was written by Karen Mazzeo - http://www.tombstonetimes.com/stories/marrs.html For More Great INFO Use this: http://www.arizonaghosttowntrails.com/tombstone.html

Tombstone AZ - Pony Saloon

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 13:47:49 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This may be an early version of a Pony Saloon token with the establishment being owned by James Marrs. PONY SALOON 12 1/2c, listed as rarity R10.

Tombstone AZ - Pony Billiard McCutchan

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 13:42:36 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: PONY BILLIARD ROOM V.L. McCUTCHAN OWNER TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA; Rx: GOOD FOR 10c IN TRADE "Pony Billiard Room" of Tombstone, Arizona. This establishment was owned by a V. L. McCutchan and operated from as early as 1923 until at least 1924. There had been a Pony Saloon in Tombstone, operated by a J. H. Marrs, until 1914 when the Saloons were closed. V. L. McCutchan had operated a Billiard Parlor in Patagonia, Arizona (see map below) from before 1919 until around 1923, he may have moved to Tombstone, bought out the Pony Saloon and reopened it as a Pool Hall or Billiard Room. Tombstone, the town “Too Tough To Die”, is one of the best-known towns from “The Old West”, it was here on October 26, 1881 that Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday fought Frank McLaury, Tom McLaury, Billy Claiborne, Ike Clanton, and Billy Clanton in the famed “Gunfight at the OK Corral”. The town's cemetery, where some of the above now reside, is actually named "Boot Hill". [a.t. coyote]

Tombstone AZ - AL PAQUIN Cafe & Billiards

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 11:43:58 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: AL PAQUIN 12 1/2c TOMBSTONE ARIZ. (both sides). This establishment was a cafe and billiards hall from about 1926 - 1929. Al Paquin was editor of the Tombstone Epitaph and County Clerk in Bisbee, exact dates unknown to me.

Tombstone AZ - Oriental Saloon

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 11:01:32 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: ORIENTAL SALOON (below: L.H. MOISE S. F.; Rx: GOOD FOR 1 DRINK Spooner hasn't listed this one in his 2010 catalog, stay tuned for more info from his forthcoming update. The Oriental has been characterized as "a regular slaughterhouse." Read and visit the link below. The Oriental Saloon opened on July 22, 1880, issuing in the advent of one of Tombstone's two fanciest bars. Only the exotic Crystal Palace would provide any measurable amount of competition. In February 1881 Luke Short, who had an interest in the gambling concession at the Oriental, was working his table. Charlie Storms, a professional gambler with a less-than-favorable opinion of the table operator, had apparently been making disparaging statements directed toward Short. After simmering for several hours, the confrontation erupted outside of the Oriental on Allen Street. Both grappled with pulled pistols, but Short succeeded in leveling his piece toward his opponents' heart and fired twice. Storms quickly expired but not before getting off one round, but without effect. Parsons, who arrived at the scene just after the first shots were fired, wryly noted that "the faro games went right on as though nothing had happened." [excerpt from the Tombstone Times by Ray Madzia]. To read his full interesting history please visit this: http://www.tombstonetimes.com/stories/oriental.html The die-sinking firm of L. H. Moise was founded in 1893 and Moise purchased the older C.A. Klinker & Co. in 1897. Although they became the Moise - Klinker Co. in 1898, they produced pieces under their individual names until 1904. This firm was in operation out of San Francisco CA.

Tombstone AZ - OCCIDENTAL BAR

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 10:56:32 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: OCCIDENTAL BAR; Rx: GOOD FOR 1 SMILE The Occidental was located mid-way on the main drag of Tombstone, Allen Street, between 4th and 5th Streets. Either in real times, or perhaps just in a movie, it has been said that Virgil Earp was playing an all-night card game with Johnny Behan, Ike Clanton and Tom McLaury in Tombstone’s Occidental Saloon the evening before the shootout at the OK Corral.

Tombstone AZ - ED. NEVIN'S BAR

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 10:51:08 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: ED. NEVIN'S BAR TOMBSTONE, ARIZ. (below: L.A. RUB. STAMP CO.); Rx: GOOD FOR 1 DRINK. Rarity R9 (-1906 - 1910-)

Tombstone AZ - J.N. McDonough Billiard Parlor

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 10:43:50 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Peter Spooner's "Arizona Trade Tokens - 2010" shows a photo of TOM-525 with a rough but legible reverse, this one is wholly obscured. Listed ar rarity R9 (1892 - 1899-). J.N. McDONOUGH BILLIARD PARLOR TOMBSTONE ARIZ.; Rx should be: GOOD FOR 12 1/2c DRINK.

Tombstone AZ - J.J. McCLELLAND

Moneta — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 10:40:32 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: GOOD FOR 12 1/2c IN MERCHANDISE - J.J. McCLELLAND - TOMBSTONE, A.T.; Rx: blank. This was a Tombstone Saloon (-1881 - 1883-)

Tombstone AZ - J. MARTIN Saloon

Moneta — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 17:00:34 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: GOOD FOR 12 1/2c J. MARTIN A.S. IN TRADE; Rx: CHAS. PICK & CO. DEALERS IN (gambling equipment) CHICAGO. Spooner has this listed as a saloon in operation from 1886 - 1890, rarity R10. The A.S. following and under J. MARTIN may mean 'Arizona Saloon.'

Tombstone AZ - A. MADRIL

Moneta — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 16:52:45 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: A. MADRIL; Rx: GOOD FOR 12 1/2c IN TRADE This establishment is listed in Spooner as a pool hall with open ended operations between 1932 - 1936, it's listed as rarity R9.