This is a well-known historic downtown Seattle trade token issued by iconic local businessman, sportsman, and restaurateur Ben Paris.
Issuer: Ben Paris (Seattle, Washington)
Denomination: 5¢ ("BEN PARIS 5¢")
Design Feature: It features a distinctive "P" shaped central cutout (punched at the time of manufacture for Paris). Both sides are stamped identically with the issuer's name and value.
Catalog Reference: TokenCatalog #473176 / #436688
Ben Paris was a prominent Seattle figure in the early-to-mid 20th century. He was a famous conservationist, advocate for local salmon fishing (he founded the famous Puget Sound Salmon Derby in 1931), and proprietor of a multi-story recreational establishment located at 2nd Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle.
His establishment housed:
A popular restaurant and bar
A sporting goods and bait shop
A sprawling subterranean billiards parlor, cigar shop, and card room
Tokens with a 5¢ denomination were frequently used for game house trade (such as pool table time), cigar purchases, or trade credit at the bar.
Most of the items I sell are estate finds, and are presented to you in, as is, as found condition. They are described to the best of my knowledge. Some wear is to be expected, unless described as flawless or mint. I cannot know everything about every item I offer, I do inspect each item and list all known flaws or damage. So please take a good look at the photos and ask questions if need be. If You buy multiple items from my store, YES, I do combine shipping.