AI Appraisal Estimate

This item appears to be a circular copper-alloy or bronze advertising token, possibly a pocket piece or commemorative medal. The obverse features multiple layers of embossed text and a large central stylized date. The largest outer ring of text reads 'MACOY PUBLISHING CO. 45 JOHN ST.'. An inner ring of text reads 'NEW YORK • MASONIC EXPOSITION'. At the center of the medallion, a large number '1914' is displayed in a stylized, overlapping font. The craftsmanship exhibits typical early 20th-century commercial die-striking techniques, with a beaded border along the outer edge. The surface shows a deep brown patina with signs of oxidation, wear on the raised lettering, and minor surface dirt consistent with age and handling. The attribution is based on the legible markings struck into the metal, which suggest it was produced for Macoy Publishing, a known Masonic supplier, for a specific event in 1914. While the markings are clear, the piece remains unauthenticated as a period-correct object without a physical inspection to verify metal composition and striking methods. The condition is consistent with a circulated exonumia piece from the early 1900s.

Based on my examination of the provided image, this circular copper-alloy token appears to be a piece of commercial exonumia featuring markings suggesting it was produced for the Macoy Publishing Co. & Masonic Supply Co. for a 1914 New York Masonic Exposition. I can observe a deep brown patina and surface wear consistent with an early 20th-century object, including softening of the embossed text and minor oxidation. However, I cannot verify the specific metal composition or the exact method of striking from a photograph alone; a physical inspection would be required to rule out modern restrikes or cast replicas. The value estimate is predicated on the hypothesis that this is a period-correct advertising token. Masonic-related exonumia from this era typically sees steady demand among fraternal history collectors. The $40–$75 range reflects general market behavior for common Masonic exposition tokens in circulated condition. Should the piece be a later reproduction or a modern imitation rather than a 1914 issue, the value would likely decrease to a nominal $5–$10 range as a mere curiosity. To advance this attribution beyond a working hypothesis, an in-person examination by a specialist in fraternal medals or a metallurgical analysis would be necessary to verify it is not a later copy. My appraisal considers the legible markings as a lead for research rather than a statement of fact regarding the item's origin or age. Such pieces are frequently found in the market, and their valuation is heavily dependent on the crispness of the die-work and the preservation of the surface patina, both of which appear average here based on what I can see.