M070
Bronze, Fine
24 mm (15/16”), 14.25 grams
HISTORY: One of 12 zodiac peepshow tokens minted, or provided by, the manufacturers of the peepshow viewing machines distributed throughout the United States. This series included Aries (Fearless), Taurus (Creative), Gemini (-), Cancer (Versatile), Leo (Friendly), Virgo (Exacting), Libra (Professional), Scorpio (-), Sagittarius (Active), Capricorn (Superior), Aquarius (Humanitarian), and Pisces (-).
OBVERSE: “CONNECT WITH A CANCER” and “JUNE 21 ‒ JULY 20” encircle this token, framing a crab, the astrological symbol for Cancer, who is ruled by the Moon. Beneath the crab is the symbol “69,” which is widely believed to represent a sexual position. However, long before Cancer was pictured as a crab, “69” was interpreted as the cycle of the Moon. The two circles represent the new and full stages, while the outer arcs reveal the midmonth crescent stages of the Moon.
REVERSE: “VERSATILE” is pictured as a man and woman in intimate sexual play. Beneath is “©” (copyright symbol) by an unidentified company or a sculptor.
EDGE: Smooth