1895 Native American Indian Philadelphia Pennsylvania Good Luck Token

Description

This very attractive and fascinating token was catalogued by token authority Russell Rulau as Phi 114, and he dated it to approximately 1895. This good luck token was issued by the Wanamaker Department Store in Philadelphia, PA, as indicated by the phrase WANAMAKER-ORIGINATOR, an advertising phrase used for years by Wanamaker, referring to the innovation demonstrated by the store. The obverse has a very high-relief (three-dimensional) image of a Native American in full headdress, with the name OHI-YESA along the upper rim. Actually, this is an alteration of the Dakota/Sioux name Ohíye S'a, which translates as 'always wins.' This was the Dakota name given to the prominent Santee Dakota physician, author, lecturer, and reformer Dr. Charles Eastman, but I can't determine the connection to Wanamaker. Eastman was of Santee Dakota, English and French ancestry. After working as a physician on reservations in South Dakota, he became increasingly active in politics and issues on Native American rights, he worked to improve the lives of youths, and founded thirty-two Native American chapters of YMCA. He also helped found the Boy Scouts of America. He is considered the first Native American author to write American history from the Native American point of view. The reverse has the words THE WINNER, Porte Bonheur which in French translates Lucky Charm, and WANAMAKER-ORIGINATOR. This token was struck very well, with great detail, high-relief bust, and bold lettering. The diameter is approximately 26 mm, and the composition is copper. Please email with any questions. Buyer to pay .85 irst class shipping and handling within the continental United States (international shipping is more). Check out my other auctions. I gladly combine shipping if you buy any items within a few days. Just give me a heads up to send you a revised invoice. Thanks and good luck!