HK-323, Henderschott-30-360, R.4. 33mm. These coins were manufactured by the International Nickel Company for promotional purposes and distributed at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. The obverse features the bust of Joseph Wharton, the nickel magnate who successfully lobbied to have the U.S. government strike coins in nickel during the 1860s. The International Nickel Company (Inco) was formed in New York in 1902 and incorporated in Canada in 1916, quickly becoming the world’s largest producer of the white metal. Stompin’ Tom Connors fans will recognize the company from his song Sudbury Saturday Night, with its catchy chorus:

Yeah, the girls are out to bingo

And the boys are gettin' stinko

And we'll think no more of Inco

On a Sudbury Saturday night

This interesting souvenir with both American and Canadian connections is entirely brilliant with distinctly satiny mint luster. The portrait and legends are sharp, and the fields are generally clean. There is a tick at the upper obverse rim and a couple of fine lines on the reverse but not too much else. An appealing example.

For those unfamiliar with Stompin’ Tom Connors (a Canadian national treasure), please enjoy the video below: