Coin Motif Ashtray Appraisal

Amber Glass Ashtray with Pressed Coin Motifs

This item is an amber-colored glass ashtray, characterized by its translucent, rich yellowish-brown hue reminiscent of tobacco or whiskey. The ashtray has a circular basin with a scalloped or fluted rim, indicating a pressed glass manufacturing technique. The rim features a series of indentations or rests, suggesting its intended use for holding cigarettes or cigars. The most distinctive feature is the four circular raised motifs molded into the bottom of the basin, designed to resemble old coins or medallions. While the specific details of the 'coins' are somewhat obscured by the glass and lighting, one appears to depict a starburst or sunburst design, while others show profiles or figures that could be historical personages or symbols. These 'coins' are a uniform golden-brown, appearing as part of the glass molding rather than actual embedded coins. The overall condition appears good with no obvious chips or cracks visible from the provided perspective, though minor surface wear or scratches cannot be ruled out without further inspection. The glass itself has a somewhat thick and sturdy appearance, typical of utilitarian glass items from the mid-20th century. The craftsmanship, while mass-produced, shows a decent level of detail in the molded patterns, particular in the coin-like impressions. This piece likely dates from the mid-20th century, possibly 1950s-1970s, a popular period for colored pressed glass items.