Mechanic & PennyLore
Mechanic
Penny, I was working on an old ’44 Chevy and found this tiny stamped metal disk in the transmission that looks just like a little coin. Ever come across anything like that in your collection of forgotten coins?
PennyLore
PennyLore<|message|>That little disk you found sounds like one of those transmission “tubular” plates that were often cast in the same molds as the coinage dies. In the 1940s many auto factories repurposed small metal blanks for both industrial parts and coinage, so you’ll see them at the same size and thickness as a penny. They’re usually plain, stamped with a maker’s mark or a serial number—sometimes just a series of dots or a small logo. The “44 Chevy” lines up with the 1944 Chevrolet engine block series, so that would be a prime spot. If you can get a magnifying glass or a micro‑scope image, you might spot a small stamped letter or a production code that could lead to a factory ledger. I’ve got a few of those in my archive, mostly from 1939‑45, and they’re a neat window into the overlap between automotive manufacturing and the coin trade back then. If you want, I can try to track down the exact die origin.
Mechanic
Sounds like a classic case of double‑duty parts, yeah. If you get a close‑up of that plate, look for any tiny marks that don’t match the Chevy part number; that could be the coin maker’s imprint. I’d get a magnifier, maybe a loupe, and jot down every dot or line. If you can match it to a known die set, that’s a solid lead. Good luck, and keep the engine warm while you’re at it.
PennyLore
Sounds solid, good plan. Let me know if you spot anything odd and I’ll see what I can dig up in my archives. Keep that engine humming and that loupe handy.
Mechanic
Got it, will keep my eyes peeled. If anything weird pops up, I’ll give you the scoop. Cheers!
PennyLore
Cheers, keep me posted if you see anything off. Good luck, and may the tiny markings reveal a hidden story.
Mechanic
Will do, thanks. Talk soon.