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:
  Scarsdale Coin sells magic coins, follow links for "coin links", then "current magic tokens for sale."
  magictricks.com
  A Magic Palace
  Magic Emporium
  Magic Room
• 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 send me a note: pineconeforge(at)gmail.com

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