Alaska TooWah Five Stars Reverse Variety ASRF-2
Images courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Most examples from this die pair are brass restrikes, made by Tathum Stamp & Coin Co.,
a prominent dealership from the 1930s to the 1960s. The firm apparently acquired the dies
circa-1945. The restrikes are readily distinguished, since they have medal turn, softly brought
up centers, and weigh much less than their gold original predecessors.
Pick-Up Points
If both centers are mushy, the token is a brass restrike (ASRF-2 Die State 2.0).
Gold originals (ASRF-2 Die State 1.0) are identified by a weak chin on the face of the Eskimo.
Rarity 6 (gold original)
Rarity 4 (brass restrike)
Diameter: 14.9mm
Weight (gold original): 1.4gm
Weight (brass restrike): 0.75gm
Coin turn (gold original)
Medal turn (brass restrike)
Plain edge
Reverse die shared with ASRF-1.
Equivalents:
Bruce-Alaska #Tn5,
Burnie-F-1 (page 74),
Gould-Bressett 108,
Locke (2001) 2nd of six depicted (gold original).
Locke (2001) 1st of six depicted (brass restrike).
Die States
Die State 1.0
Die State 2.0