Description:

Spiel=play marke=money. Spiel markes were counters or game pieces. They often imitate contemporary coins but leave out the correct legends or denomination to avoid the accusation of counterfeiting. The commercial tokens were NOT used to teach Roman Numerals but to do simple math on a chart that worked similarly to an abacus. Roman numerals were the prevailing number system deep into the 19th century and many European shopkeepers could not do simple math with Arabic numerals. Actually these tokens were used in a variety of ways. Many people don’t realize that children were still being taught Roman numerals and not Arabic numerals in school. (Try multiplying XVII x IV). Since numbers were an enigma to many pre-20th century Europeans, a device on a piece of cloth served as a kind of abacus and instead of beads they used Spiel Markes (In France they were called Jetons). This technique of adding up merchandise and making change was used for at least a couple of hundred years. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

  • Dimensions: 7/8" diameter
  • Condition: Ungraded MS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship Worldwide, at Buyer's Expense. PLEASE CONTACT PRIOR TO BIDDING TO ASK FOR SHIPPING QUOTES!!!! Allow a 24 hour period for quotes. Shipping quotes are figured before invoices are sent out. Multiple shipping companies (USPS, UPS, Fedex, Greyhound, etc) will be looked into for the best rate. Large paintings and other large items may be packed by a third party.

January 17, 2020 6:00 PM EST
Canandaigua, NY, US

One Source Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 18% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $5
$100 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 + $250