need some help with an ID.....

[Digger]

I found this "what is it" recently, and tossed it in my pouch thinking it was a penny with a hole drilled in it. (should have been wearing my glasses). I'm posting it on here and the X-TERRA forum because I honestly can't remember which detector I was using when I found it. Anyway, as I went through some stuff today, I see that it is some sort of coin or token that I'm not familiar with. It's bent a little bit, making it difficult to take a good picture. But as you can see, this side has the letters R O Y A L, preceded by a couple letters I can't quite make out. Between the letters and the date at the bottom (I think it is 1870) there are two five-pointed stars near each rim. In the center, around the hole, there are a series of 3 five-pointed stars at both the top and bottom, with a diamond between them on each side.
Nothing is visible on the other side, except for a raised bar that runs completely across the coin. (other than where the hole is located). The hole does not look to be drilled, but punched. And the item has a reeded edge. I would suspect it is a token. But I seldom find tokens with dates or a reeded edge. The stars and lettering make me think it is US. But I honestly have no clue! If anyone has an idea as to what this is, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Thanks in advance. HH Randy

[attachment 177739 tokenorcoinoct2010001-Copy.JPG]

 

[Diggler]

Maybe it was a 45 to 33 record adapter insert?

 

[UtahRich]

What diameter is it?

I can't recall ever seeing a token with a reeded edge. I was under the impression that a reeded edge was placed there on silver and gold coins to make it obvious is somebody have shaved some of the metal from the coin. There wouldn't really be a need for that with a brass or copper coin or token.

I like the idea posted by diggler that it could be an adapter for the old records. The reeded edge would then make sense, make sure the adapter had a firm fit with the record.

This has me curious.


Rich

 

[onemore]

n/t

 

[Digger]

I don't think so as the 45 adapters were a lot bigger than this is. Like I mentioned, I thought it was a penny when I stuck it in my pouch. But thanks for thinking about it. HH Randy

 

[Digger]

The reeded edge has me stumped as well. Like you, I had always heard that the reeded edge was made to prevent clipping or counterfitting.

The size of this "thing" is 19mm, the same as an IH cent. That is what I figured it was when I put it in my pouch. After readings Diggler's post about 45 records, I measured the hole on some old 45's and they are twice the diameter (38mm) as this thing is. So I'm still stumped. But I do appreciate all those who are running it through their mind. HH Randy

 

[Diggler]

.................

 

[Digger]

I hesitate to do much to clean it up. But I'll see if a little olive oil and a toothpick can help remove the grime around those other letters. I did a search of UniRoyal 1870 and it seems that is when the company started up. I suppose this could be an old UniRoyal token. Or it may be part of a wheel from an old toy vehicle that simply advertised for UniRoyal, and what I perceived as a reeded edge is actually representative of a tread design. I hunt a lot of old farmsites and frequently find old toy cars etc. But haven't found anything like this, with a date on it. Thanks again for your input. I appreciate it. HH Randy

 

[Diggler]

I hesitate to do much to clean it up. But I'll see if a little olive oil and a toothpick can help remove the grime around those other letters. I did a search of UniRoyal 1870 and it seems that is when the company started up. I suppose this could be an old UniRoyal token. Or it may be part of a wheel from an old toy vehicle that simply advertised for UniRoyal, and what I perceived as a reeded edge is actually representative of a tread design. I hunt a lot of old farmsites and frequently find old toy cars etc. But haven't found anything like this, with a date on it. Thanks again for your input. I appreciate it. HH Randy

Exactly what I was about to suggest after researching several Port Royals, in which not much significant happened in 1870...

 

[Rick(ND)]

The first thing i thought and still do is a adjuster off the old kerosene lamps as they had the reeded edges so it was easy to turn. Where the hole is in it there was the shaft that run into the lamp to adjust the wick. Anyway that is what it sure looks like to me as it looks like it is not very thick either.

 

[Digger]

Thanks Rick. It is about as think as an old IH cent. And it's turned red like the nickels do around here. Not sure what the metal is??? I've found a lot of kerosene lamp parts in many of the fields I've been hunting. Most of them are brass. But, you may be onto something. I appreciate the suggestion. HH Randy