I found this token in southern Indiana. It has Little Gem Mills on the bottom of it and the number 12 stamped in the middle. It has nothing on back of token. It is a little bigger than a quarter. I know there was a Gristmill and Sawmill there at one time but not the name of it. The 12 on it makes no sense on being a money domination and the hole on top as well. I found 1850's large cent within 3 feet of token. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Help Identifying this token
- Thread starter Titans20
- Start date
rcornell
Elite Member
I can guess.... Rather than a 'value' token, it may be a 'measure' token? So like the Weight of a bag? In that case, the hole could have been used to attach it. Or something like that....
rcornell
Elite Member
Or maybe a token for this:
Little Gem - Trade Stim. by Mills Novelty Co.
Little Gem is a Trade Stim. by Mills Novelty Co. (circa 1907). Collectors often confuse this machine with the Puritan because they look so similar. One of its features is a red flag that shows through the glass in the back
www.arcade-museum.com
rcornell
Elite Member
Hopefully, someone else will weigh in on it..... Neat Find!
MTJosh
Elite Member
Could be a tool tag from that mill. Even if that mill was not located there. The mill from that sight might have bought used tools from mill on token/tag
I found the Mills Novelty Company's catalog (undated) which shows the Little Gem machine on pages 14-15. I could find no hint as to why your token shows a 12 from this machine or any other machine listed in the catalog. This gives you some background information on the company and machine, but the token mystery continues. https://rwatts.cdyn.com/download/mills trade stimulator catalog.pdf
