Obverse Design The legend "MARINE POST EXCHANGE" curves along the top. The legend "I.C.Z. PANAMA" curves along the bottom (I.C.Z. stands for Isthmian Canal Zone). In the center there is a bow ornament at the top "CAMP" and "ELLIOTT" in two lines and then another bow ornament below. There is a circle of beads close to the edge. The token has a smooth plain raised edge.
Reverse Design The legend "GOOD FOR" curves along the top, and the legend "IN TRADE" curves along the bottom. There is a large "10" (without a cent sign) in the center. There are denticles along the edge. The token has a smooth plain raised edge.
Metal Aluminum. Weight Unknown. Size and Shape Round, 25 mm in diameter.
Dates Issued Sometime between 1905 and 1914.
Issuer Camp Elliott. U.S. Marines were stationed at Camp Elliott at Bas Obispo from 1905 to 1914.
Mintage Unknown.
Rarity Very Rare. Manufacturer Unknown. Other Catalog Numbers Cunningham's CZ160b, Curto's C26-10.
Varieties The 10 cents denomination is only known in one variety, which does not have the cents sign. I have grouped it with other denominations that do not have a cents sign. Note however that this variety has dentures instead of beads on the reverse side, unlike those other denominations.
Function Post Exchange token.
Population Count Two specimens in collector hands are known to me. Recent sales include:
  1. Auction sale on ebay on December 15, 2002 for $165.
Notes There are at least five series from Camp Elliott, which seems like a lot for a ten year span. The series are:
  1. Uniface Aluminum, only 5 cents denomination known.
  2. Aluminum No Cent Sign, occurs in 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents and one dollar denominations.
  3. Brass, only one dollar denomination known.
  4. Aluminum with the Cent Sign, only 5 cents denomination known.
  5. Aluminum with the Cent Sign and Stars, only 25 cents denomination known.