'S' in Diamond

21mm, brass

Ray writes: I am the author of several books on the Vietnam war including two on the military money of Vietnam. The stylied S in diamond is definitely that of Sega Japan - The tokens that are blank save the S diamond logo - were used until regular issue tokens with military designations, unit club names or locations (required by regulation) could be delivered to clubs and messes at camps in Vietnam. Each unit, club etc had to have their own tokens so that they would not circulate as money country wide. They were not used in mess halls! . . but rather in NCO, EM and OFFICER MESSES and CLUBS which were non-appropriated funds activities (and which served drinks, food and had slot machines on a pay as you go basis) - Mess Halls are where troops are fed - Messes and clubs are where soldiers relax. Not much of a difference, I am sure, if you've never been in the military - but a big distinction for those of us who were.
Ken writes: I recently ran across your question about a mystery token that has an "S" in a diamond. From what I understand, this is a maker's mark from Sega Corporation which made many US military tokens in the Vietnam War era.
Rich writes: I have looked around a bit on the Ebay auction web site and found a number of mess hall tokens used in Vietnam War-era mess halls on overseas bases. Many do have this same mark. So I think you are right. Also, I heard back from another guy who says the "S" represents the Sunshine Mint in Couer D'Alene Idaho.

Know anything about this token? Please send me a note: pineconeforge(at)gmail.com