Private U.S. Mints and in house metal refineries have numbered in the dozens over the years. Major minting errors from silver rounds to gambling tokens are very popular and eagerly sought by collectors. Erratic record keeping of mintage numbers and identifying which private mint produced major errors can be a challenge to research. It is in-fact on occasion impossible because many rounds and tokens were struck with no identification such as a specific mint's name, privy mark, or mintmark.

First is a $1 Fitzgeralds Las Vegas, Nevada gambling token. It is large die cap with a full reverse brockage of the obverse. It was double struck before being ejected from the striking chamber. Undated, this particular design was utilized from the 1970's and into the early 1980's. This token was struck by United Silver Mint (mintmark USM). I have been unable to find any specific background or historical information on USM.





NOTE: Even more frustrating, the Letchter Mint (privy mark LM) in California struck this token up until 1981. LM closed in 1981 which was located in Lancaster, CA. Since then, LM struck casino tokens into the 1990's. It is a mystery for sure. LM was renowned for beautiful silver rounds in the 70's and 80's. Both the Prime Minister Governor from the Solomon Islands and LM's owner were indicted for striking illegal silver rounds for the Solomon Islands. The Prime minister of the Solomon Islands was immediately removed from office after a short investigation. It seems that this private mint has opened and closed several times over the last 40 years.

Next is a 1967 $5 sterling silver Harolds Club - Reno, Nevada gambling token. This large and exceedingly heavy silver token was struck with mismatched dies. The reverse die intended for Harolds Club in Reno, NV was mismatched with the obverse die intended for Las Vegas, NV. This token was struck by the private Franklin Mint (mintmark FM). The stylized FM privy mark is located on the obverse at the 6 clock position.





FM was established in 1964 by Joseph Segal who years later founded the QVC cable television marketing enterprise. The FM was known for their artistic coin series and gambling tokens struck exclusively in sterling (0.925 fine) silver. The FM was located in Wawa, PA and operated as a museum for a number of years as a road side attraction before closing in 1988.

Lastly is an undated 'THE Tavern' $1 gambling token, Las Vegas, Nevada (Now known as the BLUE OX TAVERN). From the 1970's this gambling token is a large die cap with a uniface reverse. There are no identifiable private mintmarks on this gambling token. The Blue Ox Tavern has operated since 1996 under this name. It is located at the address seen on the token and is a "Minnesota place" providing Midwestern Hospitality since the 1970'S.