Subject: Coins

A 1897 five-cent piece from the United States with a Hebrew inscription of "Chai" (חי), meaning "life" and used as a good luck charm, engraved on one side. A hole has been punched through the coin, presumably for use as an amulet. This object is part of a larger collection of Judaica Americana.

An 1839 U.S. silver half dollar engraved as a Pidyon Haben coin. The coin is inscribed with "Aaron son of Moshe" and the date 1850 on both sides. Found in New York State.

Silver denar coin depicting King Stefan V of Hungary. The obverse shows the inscription "MONETA UNGARIE" surrounding a crowned head. The reverse features two doves flanking a large Hebrew letter Aleph. The coin was produced by Jewish mint masters. Four similar coins with varying designs are also present in the collection. Dated circa 1270.

Silver obol, 1235. Obverse: Castle tower with fleur-de-lis on either side, crescent below. Reverse: Large Hebrew letter Tsade within a circle of lilies. Minted by Jewish mint masters. Five other similar obols with different designs are in this collection.

Silver obol; obverse depicts a castle tower with fleur-de-lis on either side and a crescent below; reverse shows a large Hebrew letter Tsade within a circle of lilies. Minted by Jewish mint masters. Off-center. Five other obols with different designs are in this collection. Date: circa 1235. Geographic location: Possibly Hungary (based on association with Bela IV).

Silver obol; front: half moon with castle between two lilies; reverse: large Hebrew letter Tsadi within a wreath. Done by Jewish mint masters. See 5 others in collection; all different designs. Date: 1235 CE. Geographic location: Unknown (based on the presence of a Hebrew letter, it could be from a region with a Jewish population at the time.)

This trade card advertises Heiman Brothers, a clothing store located at 1026-1030 Market Street in San Francisco, California. The front of the card features a humorous illustration of a man dressed in a suit holding a hat and a cane. The text reads: 'I am the preacher that kissed the bride.' The back of the card is fully printed with an advertisement and an image of an Indian Head Penny.

Trade coin issued circa 1834 in Bridgetown, Barbados by Moses Tolano, a merchant at 33 Swan Street. The obverse depicts "MOSES TOLANTO BARBADOES" with a bale and the initials M.T. The reverse shows "FREEDOM WITHOUT SLAVERY" with a six-petal rosette and a barrel with the initials M.T. Slavery was abolished in Barbados in 1834. A Moses Tolano, a 38-year-old merchant from 33 Swann Street, was buried on May 30, 1852, according to records from the Bridgetown Synagogue. While the spelling of the surname differs slightly, it is believed to be the same individual. Information based on Shilstone's "Monumental Inscriptions...Synagogue...Bridgetown, Barbados."