Mandrake's Magic Coin
20mm, cu [reverse side hollowed out]
About this token:
- Jon writes (Sept 2002): Recently a small hoard of these coins was discovered
by family member of a magic mfg company....I would now say that 20-25 are
now known to exist...current pricing ranging from $25-$35 but would expect
price to be lower since so many have entered the market...
- One of these sold on eBay 7/20/03 for $25
- Del writes: This token is listed in TAMS journal V.18 #5 Oct.1978 (part
2) which is a catalogue of magic tokens. It is # MT236 issued 1941 and the
insert was a US 1 ct with the tail side ground down.
- Robert writes: This was a candy premium put out by the Suchard Chocolate
company. This piece is steel with a copper plate on it.
- Del writes: This is called a "coin shell," a slightly smaller coin will
fit inside so it's easy to make a coin appear or disappear. You can also get
expanded shells that are made from real coins, usually Kennedy halfs, or shells
used to preform special tricks will use a solid coin that has had the edge
turned to make it smaller than its edge is reeded. This item probably came
in a magic kit. Mandrake is a famous magician from the comics.
- Magictricks.com has a short
bio of Mandrake the Magician.
- Does anyone know when these were advertised in comics? I would love to have
a scan of an ad for this coin! If anyone sends me one, I will post it here.
- Monticup writes: Your token is from the Mandrake Magic Set. It is probably
from the 1940's or 1950's. This was the traditional magic set that included
a variety of tricks. I think this was the only coin effect with the kit.
- In case anyone is interested, here are some links to places that sell modern
(and a few antique) magic coins:
- And here are some links about Mandrake the Magician (both the stage performer
and the comic strip).
- Leon Mandrake
Memorial web page
- King
Features has a Mandrake comic strip archive, and information about
creator and artist. The comic strip started June 1934 and is still carried
in some newspapers.
- Obituary
for Lee Falk, creator of the Mandrake comic strip.
Know anything about this token? Please
let me know!
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