When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This antique octagonal metal tag is an authentic miner's tool check/identification tag/ tool chit used by the Homestake Mining Company. This will make a great addition to a wide variety of collections.
See photos. Please message us with questions. Thank you!!
Coin Design -
Obverse
• H. M. CO.: Stands for Homestake Mining Company, which operated from 1877 until 2001 and was once the largest and deepest gold mine in North America.
• U. A.: Stands for Underground Amalgamated or a specific underground division/association of the mining operation.
• 112: The specific identification or tool tracking number assigned to an individual miner.
Reverse
• Star (Six point) on the Reverse: The embossed star on the back of the tag is a signature manufacturing detail found on select early 20th-century Homestake check tokens, helping clerks visually identify authentic company property
Purpose and History -
These durable octagonal metal tags were vital pieces of utility gear used for everyday operations and safety management:
1. Tool Check / Chit: Miners traded these stamped tokens at the company tool room to rent specialized equipment or drill bits. When the tool was returned, the token was handed back to the worker.
2. Shift Tracking & Safety: Often referred to as "lamp tags" or "brass," workers hung their tokens on a board before descending into the underground shafts. If a tag remained on the board at the end of a shift, supervisors immediately knew exactly which miner was missing or trapped underground.
• Star on the Reverse: The embossed star on the back of the tag is a signature manufacturing detail found on select early 20th-century Homestake check tokens, helping clerks visually identify authentic company property quickly.
The Homestake Mining Company was one of the largest gold mining businesses in the United States and the owner of the Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota. Founded in 1877, it was acquired by Barrick Gold in December 2001.
Homestake Mining Company
Industry: Mining
Founded: 1877; 149 years ago
Founder: George Hearst, Lloyd Tevis, and James Ben Ali Haggin
Defunct: December 14, 2001; 24 years ago
Fate: Acquired by Barrick Gold
