Boer War Hand Engraved (Glencoe) Mine Store "MS" Monogram on a British 1901 Penny * UNIQUE *

The "MS" Glencoe Mine Store Monogram Hand Engraved on the reverse of a Queen Victoria 1901 Penny. Holed to be used as a pendant.  This is a unique item, probably engraved during the Boer War when the coal mines were re-opened after the relief of Ladysmith and the re-capture of Dundee.

According to Dr G.P. Theron the Mine Store "MS" monogram did not appear on that company's tokens until after 1927 when the switch from brass to celluloid tokens was made.  Probably the distinctive monogram was in use from the early days but not initially used on the tokens because of the cost of striking the elaborate pattern on metal.  The obvious wear on the obverse has been caused by friction while the other side was being skimmed and engraved.