{"product_id":"token-34-south-west-africa-5-c-token-with-ornamental-m-n-c-monogram-c-early-mid-20th-century","title":"Token 34 – South West Africa – 5 C Token with Ornamental M–N–C Monogram, c. early–mid 20th century","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToken 34 – South West Africa – 5 C Token with Ornamental M–N–C Monogram, c. early–mid 20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn unusual and highly interesting original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 C South West African token\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, distinguished by a striking ornamental monogram incorporating \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eM, N and a reversed C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe obverse features the large decorative monogram, with the central \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eN\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e showing distinctive horizontal engraving, while the reverse carries the bold denomination \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“5 C”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The token is struck in a copper\/brass-type metal and displays an attractive dark green and brown original patina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecent denomination\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e places this piece apart from the earlier German Imperial-period Werth-Marken denominated in Pfennig and Mark. It belongs to the later \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth West African token tradition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making it particularly interesting to collectors of the region's private and unofficial currency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is important supporting evidence for this type of material: an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmporium Hamburg auction in 2013 specifically offered six “5 c Marken” under Deutsch-Südwestafrika\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, described as possible \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpielgeld\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Although the auctioneer could not establish their exact function, the listing confirms that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 C token pieces were recognised and collected as South West African token material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eM–N–reversed-C monogram remains unidentified\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is one of the most intriguing aspects of this piece. It may represent an issuer, company, establishment or other local identification, and further research could potentially reveal a more precise attribution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts worn but attractive condition, combined with the substantial green patina and clearly visible central design, gives the piece an authentic historical appearance. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt should not be cleaned\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, as the original surface and patina are part of its collector character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor collectors of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth West Africa, Namibian history, African exonumia and unidentified local tokens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this is a particularly intriguing piece. The unusual monogram, 5 C denomination and documented presence of similar 5 C Marken in the DSWA collecting field make it an excellent research piece as well as a desirable addition to a specialist collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA scarce and fascinating South West African token whose unidentified M–N–C monogram adds an important element of mystery and collector appeal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its exact issuer remains a rewarding subject for further research.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Haller Treasure Chest","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57296861757818,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0738\/9125\/0466\/files\/Token34frontVOC5c.jpg?v=1790150085","url":"https:\/\/hallertreasurechest.com\/fr\/products\/token-34-south-west-africa-5-c-token-with-ornamental-m-n-c-monogram-c-early-mid-20th-century","provider":"Haller Treasure Chest","version":"1.0","type":"link"}