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Home , Exonumia, Mills Novelty Company, Slot machine

A Brief History of Gaming Tokens

by Vince Mowery

1965 was a turning point in the We can personally attest to the use Today, although common on history of gaming tokens – a very of silver dollars in . For exam- blackjack and related games, we significant dividing line. In Part I of ple, in 1955 while driving across the seldom see gaming tokens used on this history, we briefly review the use country, Bettye and I decided on a crap tables (probably because throw- of tokens in games of chance before side trip to Reno, where our first stop ing a heavy metal token halfway the mid 1960s, and in Part II we will was Harolds Club. Bettye was on a down the table to make a bet can be cover gaming tokens from 1965 to the winning streak, placed a dollar hard on the green felt). And rarely present day, with some speculations on four numbers at the bottom of a would a metal token be seen on the of the future. Our attention will be table, and won. She moved inside of a roulette layout. It should restricted to tokens or the silver dollar up to the next four be recognized that the type and use of tokens used in the U.S. numbers in line and won again. tokens can change over time. We will Moving the bet this way each time, see more of this later and in Part II. The distinct dividing line was due she worked her way to the top of the to the sharp rise in the price of silver. table, winning each bet and paid off Many would claim, with consider- Prior to this epoch, more silver each time in silver dollars. I stuffed able validity, that silver dollars should dollars were probably used in games all the in my pockets and we not be identified as true gaming of chance in casinos throughout walked over to a crap table. Her luck tokens, since otherwise we would than those in use for commer- was still with us. Finally, the stick need to so identify quarters, nickels, cial purposes everywhere else. Part II man standing next to Bettye tapped etc. which are also used in slot will review the consequences of the the box of two sixes. Bet boxcars, he machine play. In the late 1960s or disappearance of silver dollars in said. She did (although a terrible bet) early 1970s, we played a machine in gaming. and won. By the time we left, the Reno that paid-out some jackpot pockets of my pants and jacket were winnings in Morgan dollars. Should I recall several loaded with silver dollars. (Yes, in we classify as a gaming token any friends telling me they nearly those days it was common for men to object used as payment from a slot completed their collections of Morgan wear jackets in casinos.) machine? I think not, unless suitable and Peace dollars by saving coins for replay. But we will have more to from Nevada casinos. Apparently the say about the definition of gaming practice got out of hand, as evidenced tokens later. by these comments about silver dollars with missing dates: “When the Slot machines and the tokens silver dollar boom started in the accompanying them, have been with 1960s, several of the casinos resorted us sometimes more – sometimes less, to grinding the dates off the coins so Morgan for over a hundred years. that they wouldn’t be grabbed for their collector value…. The stunt got I. The First Half Century of Slots the casinos in trouble with the government for mutilating coins”1 “If there is a ‘first’ original chance And it wouldn’t be long before the , it has to be the card coins would be carried off for their machine created for saloon and cigar counter placement, … the ‘Free bullion value. Peace Should we call these gaming tokens?

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 79 Drinks and Free Cigars’ trade stimu- Payout of winnings on slots was lator card machines made rapid… the responsibility of counter atten- advancements, moving… into card dants. It wasn’t long before manufac- drop, hold and draw, and a wide turers, attempting to ease this burden, variety of other formats.”2 The basics “added a swivel base so the bartenders of these machines were developed by could swing the machine around fast the end of the 1880s, with Patent to see if a claimed winner was a Pending notations appearing on liar.”3 But this probably did not machines before the end of 1890. suffice for the bustling bartenders on a busy Saturday night, and further 1901 Draw Machine help was soon forthcoming.

The use of tokens as a medium of “Two Chances for One Nickel” exchange or a promise to pay a stated amount was quite likely familiar to MONTE CARLO SALOON 1. Drop Nickel and Pull Lever most at this time, following the wide- GOOD FOR ONE DRINK Down spread use of tokens during the Civil TONOPAH, [sic], NEV. War as substitute money when hoard- 2. Hold any Card you wish by ing caused government specie to Pressing Down Corresponding disappear. “The trade check, or ‘good Button on Top for,’ started coming into its own in the 1866-1889 period, but the 1890-1900 3. Prizes paid on SECOND period saw issues of trade checks CHANCE increase dramatically.”4 It is only rea- sonable therefore, to expect propri- Sound familiar? Only the buttons etors to use nickel size tokens to pay and prizes have changed. These slot winnings, particularly when the early mechanical marvels should winning combination indicated 5, 10, be considered forerunners of 20, or more “Free” cigars or drinks. today’s electronic Cigar smokers and nickel beers were machines. very common in those days; but pro- prietors expected the tokens would be replayed – for obvious reasons. RHODES CIGAR STAND GOOD FOR 5¢ IN TRADE GOLDFIELD, NEV.

A.H. ROUNSEVELL CONFECT. & CIGARS ROTHOLTZ BROS Note “FREE CIGARS” on payout 5 GOOD FOR 1 CIGAR schedule card on front of machine. TONOPAH, NEVADA Tonopah, Nevada

80 CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 The use of trade stimulators (slots) trade (or in merchandise) on the and “Good For” gaming tokens to reverse side. This practice continued supplement income for small for many years. Some likely examples businesses spread rapidly, as did the follow: number of machine manufacturers and the variety of machines. “A substantial number of cigar makers made machines that they gave away as free premiums…, with some of them ending up as coin machine mak- ers after dropping their cigar lines.”2

One of many collectible cigar tokens, this one in aluminum–made possible by a drastic reduction in price when the electrolytic process for RUTH POOL HALL refining aluminum was introduced in GOOD FOR 5¢ IN TRADE late 1888. “In the 1891-1894 period, BRASS aluminum came into extensive use in Ruth, Nev. the manufacture of tokens”4 COMMERCIAL HOTEL 1 contributing to their proliferation. GOOD FOR 6 /4¢ IN TRADE BRASS ELKO, NEVADA

W.J DRYSDALE THE ST. JOHN CIGAR CO GOOD FOR 6 1/ ¢ IN TRADE 1 4 G.F. 2 /2 CENTS I.T. BRASS MUNCIE, J.D. LOTHROP CO. TONAPAH, NEV (Two for a nickel) GOOD FOR 5 IN MERCHANDISE ALUMINUM Part of the pleasure of collecting The economic depression of 1893 GOLDFIELD, NEV. these older tokens is uncovering the was a severe jolt to the economy, but history and circumstances surrounding also served as a stimulus to the spread their use. We are not aware of any of trade stimulators. Small merchants research on the above examples and struggling to compete or survive and many other similar tokens from attract customers, paid out, “at least around Nevada. (Not all Trade or as much in trade as… played, and Merchant tokens were used in games sometimes more,”2 by means of of chance). But some interesting “trade” or “merchant” tokens with the research has been carried out for proprietors name on one side and gaming tokens of this time period 1 1 “good for” 5¢, 6 /4¢, 12 /2¢, etc. in

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 81 used in , a hot-bed of Ownership and operation of slot 1904, the Puritan Machine Company slot activity. An example is shown in machines was very turbulent every- Ltd. of manufactured a outline form below: where at the end of the 1800s and machine called, appropriately, into the twentieth century. For exam- PURITAN with “a mechanical ple, an 1898 San Francisco ordinance gimmick whereby every fifth or sev- “decreed that the machines were pro- enth coin – was tossed into a separate hibited from paying out in money, but cash box inside the machine. The operators soon circumvented this law operator could use this extra cash box by substituting payouts in trade checks as the merchant split…”2 redeemable only in merchandise.”6 Needless to say, cash exchange was Some slot tokens used by slot common. All this probably stimulated operators: the spread of gaming tokens.

Machine manufacturers responded to the shifting morals and regulations. In the late 1890s the Leo Canda Company of Cincinnati produced “an automatic check or token payout 2 HENRY LODERHOSE GROCERY model…called THE EXCELSIOR.” ASH AVENUE The of San SAN FRANCISCO Francisco, “made a tall boxed vertical cabinet machine in 1897 with a token “Loderhose’s grocery store was at payout… calling it the FIGARO 318 Polk Street on the northeast CHECK MACHINE.”2 In this time corner of Polk and Ash Avenue.”5 period, manufacturers were freely This is an area wiped out by the fire copying each others’ machines. of 1906 and occupied today by the Civic Center Plaza. “Loderhose [was] There was one side excursion, MILLS NOVELTY CO. a groceryman in 1897 and 1898… however. Machine Paper Payouts, GF 5¢ IT Like many such stores…, it had a bar. becoming prevalent today, were pre- SAN FRANCISCO The practice had been almost univer- dated by almost a hundred years by (Used with CRICKET introduced in 1904) sal in town since the Gold Rush… the payout scheme used in the Mills The 316 street number indicates that SUPERIOR 5 card machine, pro- the bar was [as common practice or duced between 1904 and 1916. “With required by regulations] separate from each wining play the machine the food sales section. The token was advances a pre-printed fortune ticket made for slot machines and issued in from a roll, which is then rubber the late 1890s after the use of coins stamped with the number of the pay- had been declared illegal.”5 out, be it one cigar, or 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, “Objections were raised to the use of 16, 24 or 100.”3 Today these old coins because, it was claimed, this “fortune tickets” are very rare. We will was open . In the late 1890s, have more to say about Paper Payouts the city voted to permit the devices in Part II. The more things change, the [machines] as long as tokens were the more they remain the same. only means of setting them in motion. ‘Trade Checks,’ as they were also Early on, some manufacturers known, were commonly brass…, 21 were renting machines or serving as ROYAL NOVELTY COMPANY mm in diameter [nickel size],… slot route operators by maintaining GF 5¢ IT Larger sizes were used for higher their own machines on a profit shar- 411 Market Street, SAN FRANCISCO denominations.”5 ing basis. (We will have more to say about this practice also in Part II). In (Founded in 1900 to make machines to sell & operate)

82 CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 Some Great Early Gaming Tokens What about all those tokens (checks) with holes? Well, they allowed machines to accept both coins and tokens while paying out only tokens, as required by law in some jurisdictions. Note, this automa- tion further eased the payout burden of proprietors and attendants.

“Originally, a small hole was punched in trade checks for storage on a vertical pin inside the machine. Charlie Fey enlarged the stacking hole in the check to permit a detect- ing pin… to pass through the token, thus allowing it to remain in the coin MODEL CIGAR STORE 1 chute leading to the payout tube. A GOOD FOR 6 /4¢ SILVER CUP – CHAS, FEY & CO (Tonopah, nv.) GOOD FOR 5¢ IN TRADE nickel, obviously having no center PAYOUT TOKEN FOR 1907 SILVER hole, would be pushed into the cash CUP MACHINE [6, P. 70] can. The first Check Separator token, used on the 1898 Fey LIBERTY “Charles Fey… issued several BELL is shown.6 tokens, as did other manufactuers.” [7, p. 7]

Gaming tokens with stacking-pin holes: H.E. SAWYER 1 GF 12 /2¢ IT MCGILL, NV

MILLS NOVELTY CO. SAN FRANCISCO (COUNTER-STAMPED DM) GOOD FOR 2 BITS IN TRADE, WITH 2 HORSE BRIDLE BITS. CENTER STACKING PIN HOLE.

Counter-stamps with initials, as seen on some operator tokens, could have been used to distinguish a pro- L. DEL PAPA & CO. prietor’s token from others. GF 5¢ IT (Tonopah, nv.)

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 83 BAR NEVADA SMOKE HOUSE HOTEL LAMOILLE 1 1 1 GF 6 /4¢ IT GF 12 /2 CENTS GF 12 /2¢ IT (Goldfield, nv.) RENO (Lamoille, nv.)

And tokens for use in check separator The large number of nickel size machines: tokens with center holes is testimony to their widespread use over decades. “The slot machines of the years between World War I & II used tokens extensively, principally of the type with a hole in the center.”7 Perhaps this triggered the use of a round washer with a string tied to it as a simple means for slot . Many token holes appear to be drilled or punched, rather than stamped; and some holes obscure lettering, indicat- ing the tokens were modified for use in check separator machines. THE PIONEER 1 GF 12 /2¢ IT ELKO, NEV.

MAMMOTH CLUB GF 5¢ IT (Tonopah, nv.) Note cancellation punch.

DEWEY TRADE CHECK GF 5¢ IT ELY, NEV. (no hole)

84 CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 31524

DEWEY TRADE CHECK Attempting to create an air of GF 5¢ IT 38450 legitimacy or willing acceptance. (Ely, nev.) Slots were developed with the appear- (stacking hole) ance of vending machines, dispensing gumballs, packs of chewing gum or It may be difficult to conclusively rolls of mints. In addition to a candy identify some trade checks as treat, some “vending” slot machines definite slot tokens. For example, a also paid out good for tokens cataloger of the common tokens euphemistically called “profit sharing above stated: “…these Dewey tokens coupons”. were thought to have been used in Dewey slot machines.”8 However, in 4114 my opinion, the hole for a stacking pin in some Dewey tokens from Ely, NV is rather conclusive evidence that the tokens were used in slot machines. There is one large class of tokens that are clearly slot tokens. Some samples are shown below. “Tokens 2804 with thousands of different numbers are known. The numbers represent “The full story behind these num- individual machines or machine bered tokens remains unknown at this operators or businesses.”9 Although time. Most of the numbers are proba- we are certain these are slot tokens, bly serial numbers of specific machine operators.”7 But, in my opin- uncertainty remains as to what the ALL QUALITY MINTS numbers designated. Reverses of all ion, with numbers in the thousands, GOOD FOR A 5¢ the tokens below read Good For 5¢ In this appears unlikely. PACKAGE OF MINTS Trade. Moreover, the token shown here, which reads Machine – 109 on obverse and Good For Five (with plain numeral 5) In Trade on reverse, could lead one to conclude that num- bers were associated with machines. But the questions remain: Why? And what made economic sense?

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 85 anti-mobsters and crusading politi- cians often led to confiscating and destroying tons of machines and tokens. For example in City on February 24, 1934, police raided the Mills Novelty Co. office “seizing 350 slot machines and 30,000 slot tokens. Simultaneously they confiscated 300 machines and 10,000 tokens at the Tru [Vending Company, a front for mob- ster Frank Costello] warehouse and snapped up 32 slots and 20,000 tokens at the hotel headquarters of Frank’s brother, Edward Costello.”vi 35054 So many gaming tokens lost forever! KEITH’S MODEL ‘T’ GOOD FOR ONE CAFÉ & CASINO PACKAGE OF MINTS In 1944 the U.S. government 25¢ IN TRADE decreed it illegal to make or use Winnemucca, Nevada tokens of the same size or very close to the diameter of U.S. coins in use. After World War II there was a “A new style of reverse appeared resurgence of slot machines, often- (probably due to the above law, as times with the law winking or looking most stock reverses were now the the other way. But the use of tokens wrong size). The new reverse style probably did not follow. Nickels, has the denomination as a large quarters and dollars were good number with ‘In Trade’ or ‘In Mdse’ enough. Cigar stores and neighbor- in a superimposed panel.”9 Some hood general stores had become examples are shown here: passé, along with their trade stimula- tors. Suburbs and supermarkets changed our way of life, and anti- gambling sentiment changed the pub- lic outlook. Many states passed anti- slot laws. The death knell for slots TILLITSON SPECIALTY CO. AURORA, ILL. came on January 2, 1951 when a MACHINES RENTED federal law prohibiting interstate MINTS SUPPLIED shipment of “gambling devices” became effective. Shipment to states “When [Frank] Costello was where gambling was legal was questioned about the legality of his exempt, and the rest is history. machines during the 1951 Kefauver Investigation proceedings, he II. American Gaming Counters answered, ‘Ya got mints every time ya put in a nickel.”6 The previous section identified gaming tokens as tokens (or checks, Slots spread extensively over the REGAN BROS. as they were often referred to) used in 5¢ IN TRADE first few decades of the twentieth slot machines. In this section, we Reno, Nevada century, tempered now and then by broaden the definition to include on-and-off moral backlashes. tokens (frequently called counters) Machines and their tokens graduated from private, non-government mints from pennies and nickels to higher used in games of chance. The begin- denominations. Vigorous moralists, nings of gaming counters are lost in

86 CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 the shadows of antiquity; but some “Success” game counters show a mid 1830s served primarily as coun- evidence indicates that tokens were uniformed bust of George Washington ters for use in the game of Whist”.15 used in games of chance in the on the obverse with his name around Thomas was the son of Henry and ran Roman Empire, and most likely much the rim and a Radiant eye surrounded the kettle from from about 1812 to earlier. by 15 stars and the words SUCCESS the1830s or later. "Although Whist TO THE UNITED STATES around counters had been issued prior to… “Originally counters were, as their the rim of the reverse. “Originals of Thomas Kettle, his were probably the name implies, small metallic discs these tokens appeared in 1793, honor- first to portray a woman playing used to ‘count’ beyond the limit of ing the second inauguration of the Whist".15 Some examples from our one’s fingers and toes. The use of president on March 4, 1793. Their collection are shown below: (There reckoning counters was a fairly well- maker is unknown but probably they are many varieties.) established practice in the Roman were struck in England.”x Photos of world, …”.x Doing arithmetic with these tokens can be found in RS. Roman numerals was not simple. It is Yeoman’s Red Bookxiii, where they only natural to presume that these are called and state they “are counters also were used in games of believed to have been made in the chance. mid nineteenth century”. Apparently Yeoman is referring to “Restrikes of “Metal counters were used in parts the tokens,… made about 1860”10. of Europe from the 13th century “Cards in left hand, playing a card with through at least the early 18th century “Henry Kettle was a button and right, four counters on table (3 under 1), in conjunction with counting ‘boards’ buckle maker of Birmingham, no table leg shown… two curls in front of as a reckoning mechanism. It was England a the end of the 18th and ear”. Legend: KEEP YOUR TEMPER14 probably largely during the 1600s that beginning of the 19th century. …but the use of Arabic figures came to he also executed the first-known imi- dominate the practice of reckoning tations of United States gold coins for accounts in Europe,… American use as game counters”10. Many of his counters were issued after this transi- early game counters used in this tion period. Consequently, even the country were patterned after 1803 earliest known American counters U.S. gold coins. However, he also probably served as game counters “copied” an 1805 Eagle ($10 U.S. rather than as counting board coun- ), despite the fact that no “open collar and puff sleeves at shoulder, ters.”11 Game counters are intimately U.S. Eagles were struck dated 1805 to holding cards in left hand…, right hand playing a card…”. Legend: KEEP YOUR tied in with the fascinating history of 1837. These early game counters did xiv arithmetic. not need to be truthful representations TEMPER Some gilt remains on this token of U.S. coins. Early Kettle counters As in the previous section, we are quite scarce, with fewer than 200 Also, many varieties have a male restrict our use of the name “token” known for many varieties and far player facing left. Some claim they to coin-like metal discs. (This will fewer for some varieties. So fare we were issued as male-female counter require some modifications in Part II). have not acquired any for our collec- pairs. An example of the male card Nearly concurrent with the use of tion, but photos can be found in the player is shown here: metallic game counters, this country Rulau-Fuld article.10 also saw the use of chips made of bone, mother-of-pearl, ivory, etc. “Whist counters were a series of (also called counters).12 Which came British tokens sold at street shops or first, metallic discs (tokens) or non- given away as advertising cards from metallic chips, is probably a chicken the time of George III [1760-1820] and egg question. Both share similar through the reign of ”.14 heritage. We review here several early Whist, a popular game during this American metal gaming tokens. time period, was a forerunner of Bridge. “…most of Thomas Kettle’s exonumia products issued after the

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 87 Cumberland, was granted that Nuremberg, Germany was the position in 1837. It is quite likely that center of token production for a few the rider on both the Kettle varieties hundred years, culminating with the and non-Kettle varieties of To Lauer family in the 19th century. Hanover counters is the Duke of Cumberland.”15 A kettle game counter: Many game counters that found their way to this country were the product of Ludwig Christian Lauer Cards in both hands, card on table does not touch border of dots, four counters on (1817-1873). An example of German table arranged two under two, no table made Whist counters is shown below: legs show, carpet plain. Legend: KEEP YOUR TEMPER14 Other side: Young queen head, Legend: VICTORIA REGI- NA. Almost full gilt (gold-like plating) remains on this token

“’Keep Your Temper’ is a reminder to the players – especially to the men – to keep their emotions in check and to abide by the rules of the game”.15

Many early game tokens portray Obv: VICTORIA QUEEN OF GREAT the head of Victoria, crowned queen BRIT sides of large head. in 1838 at the age of eighteen. Another example – one of many: Rev: TO HANOVER above crowned rider on horseback, sword in scabbard, three- Obv: VICTORIA QUEEN OF GREAT headed short dragon beneath horse, date xv BRIT: around head of queen, WHIST 1837. This is a beautiful, worn Kettle MARKE in small letters under head. Rev: piece. SPIEL MARKE inside wreath.. “To Hanover varieties by the firm Definitions of Spiel include play, of Kettle most easily can be distin- game, etc., and Marke means money, guished from those by other die token or coin. Compositions means to sinkers by the absence of a raised adjust a debt, to facilitate, etc. sword”.15 There are many different non-Kettle imitations with drawn Some imitations of United States gold swords: large and small dragons, coins made to be used as game coun- large and small crowns, horselegs up ters appear below. and down, etc., and different obverses. Copying game counters during this Half Eagle ($5) Counters: Obv: VICTORIA QUEEN OF GREAT time period seems to be about as BRIT around young head of Victoria. prevalent as copying slot machines in the early 20th century. Rev: Prince of Wales crown and three plumes surrounded by Order of Garter To Hanover game counters motto: HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENS.15 undoubtedly were take-offs of the Gilt is rubbed off high points on this British 20-shilling gold sovereign token. introduced in 1817, with a portrait of the British ruler (starting with George “According to German law, a Obv: Liberty Head left 11 stars around, III) on the obverse and portrayal of x woman was not permitted to occupy St. George slaying a dragon on the SP. MARKE below . Spotted gilt on token the throne of Hanover. Consequently, reverse. Victoria’s uncle, the Duke of

88 CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 And Double Eagle Counter: Gold Miner Counter: (This example shows pleasing wear which may evoke images of many card games, unlike many of today’s casino “collectibles”.)

Obv: Liberty Head left 10 stars around, COMPOS. SPIEL-MUNZE below10. Dark patina on token

Obv: Liberty Head left, 15 stars around, COMP. S. MARKE below. Common Rev: Eagle with shield on Rev: Eagle early type U.S. Double Eagle, breast, COMPOSITIONS-SPIEL- MARKE: IN UNITATE FORTITUDO above, around, one star below. Obv: Copy of Coronet Type Half Eagle COMPS. SPIEL – MARKE below. with 13 stars, dated 1849. Reference nice patina. Eagle Counter: Rev: Gold miner kneeling left, with pick, This token is a close copy, both spade and ore sack. CALIFORNIA above, Liberty Head and Eagle, of the U.S. 1849 in exergue. Horizon shows to left of twenty dollar gold piece first minted spade handle; a mountain overtops two for circulation in 1850.13 “Die hills right background; two palm trees in sinking was an infant industry in the distances.10 United States until the mid 1830s…15 Flag Counter: This was the reason for use of tokens minted in England and Germany. But not all gaming tokens of this era were imported.

The gold rush in California was a rush of people, and a legendary spread of gambling, with inadequate supplies of circulating hard money. Obv: Liberty Head left, eight stars Resourceful forty-niners resorted to around, COMP. S. MARKE below. the use of counters, usually imitations of United States gold, with values Rev: Eagle with shield on breast, COM- determined at the start of the games. POSITONS SPIEL-MARKE around, three “Only a few of these California coun- stars above eagle, and three stars 10 ters emanated from German sources. below. Considerable gilt remains. Most seem distinctly American in style and were probably struck by Obv: A so-so copy of 1847 Coronet type several of the brass works then in Eagle coin, but correct diameter. operation in San Francisco.”10 Rev: American flag displayed right has 24 stars. CALIFORNIA above, COUNTER below, two stars each side.10 & 15

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002 89 7 Stephen P. Alpert and Kenneth E. Smith, “Video Arcade, , Slot Machine and Other Amusement Tokens of North America”, Amusement Token Collectors Association, Redondo Beach, CA, First Edition, 1984. 8 Fred Holabird Americana, “Auction #10”, Reno, NV., August 3, 2001, p. 58. 9 Stephen P. Alpert and Lawrence E. Elman, “Tokens and Medals, A Guide to the Identification and Values of United States Exonumia”, Stephen P. Alpert, Los Angles, CA, First Edition, 1992

A montage of early card counters and And gaming tokens didn’t flourish 10 Russel Rulau and George J. Fuld, with playing cards and card suit again until another dramatic event in “American Game Counters”, TAMS symbols. 1965. This will be part of the history Journal, Volume 12, Number 6 (Part reviewed in Part II. II) December, 1972, reprint. Summary 11 L.B. Fauver, “American Counters, So we have early American gam- Part 1, Double Eagle & Eagle Gold”, ing counters evolving out of ancient 1 Alan Herbert, “Coin Clinic,” Oak Grove Publications, Meno Park, reckoning counters at least as early as Numismatic News, May 8, 2001, p.58. CA, 1983. the end of the 1700s, leading to a 2 Richard M. Bueschel, “Guide to 12 Dale Seymour, “Antique Gambling variety of types, interrupted some- Vintage Trade Stimulators & Counter Chips”, Revised Edition, Past what by the Civil War when many Games,” Schiffer Publishing, Alglen, Pleasures, Palo Alto, CA, 1998 Part I tokens were used as substitutes for PA, 1997. Historical Perspective. hard money This probably led to the 13 ready adaptations of tokens for use in 3 Richard M. Bueschel, “An R.S. Yeoman, “The Official Red a variety of trade stimulators and Illustrated Price Guide to 100 Most Book, A Guide Book of United States th three-reel slots by the end of the Collectible Trade Stimulators,” Coin Coins”, 55 Edition, St. Martin’s 1800s, sometimes to evade laws and Slot Books, Wheatridge, CO, 1978. Press, New York, NY, 2002. sometimes to satisfy them. The Gay 4 Russell Rulau, “Tokens of the Gay 14 Melvin Fuld, “English Card 90’s evolved into the Roaring 20’s Nineties 1890-1900,” Krause Counters, Gaming House Inns, with a tolerant attitude and use of Publications, Iola, WI, 1987 Lottery Pieces, Racing Tokens’ Spiel gaming tokens, even surreptitiously Marken, German Whist, Whist and 5 through the depression days of the Jerry F. Schimmel, “The Old Streets Other Gaming Pieces”, TAMS 30’s. Again there was a wartime inter- of San Francisco, Early Street Names Journal, Volume 14, Number 4 (Part ruption, when slot machine manufac- on Some Brass Tokens”, Pacific II), August 1974. turers turned to other outputs during Coast Numismatic Society, San the 40’s. After the war, gambling sen- Francisco, Monograph No. 1, 1993 15 L.B. Fauver, “Exonumia Symbolism & Classification”, Oak timent shifted, as it had many times in 6 the past. “A demand for further gam- Marshall Fey, “Slot Machines, A Grove Publications, Menlo Park, CA, ing regulations developed after 1950 Pictorial History of the First 100 1982. O when the U.S. Senate Committee for Years”, Fourth Edition, Liberty Belle the Investigations of Organized Books, Reno, Nev. 1994. (Beautifully Crime, headed by Estes Kefauver, illustrated Slot machines and early exposed a gangster element…,”6 gaming tokens).

90 CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | July · August · September 2002