That clue alone narrows the possibilities significantly
Likely Explanation: Metal Blanks or Slugs
Experts and historians familiar with industrial and domestic workshops point to a strong possibility: metal blanks, also known as slugs or planchets.
These were commonly used in several ways:
As unfinished coin blanks before being stamped
For making tokens, medals, or tags
As weights, spacers, or machine-test pieces
For small-scale metalworking or casting practice
In older homes—especially those belonging to craftsmen, machinists, blacksmiths, or factory workers—it wasn’t unusual to store raw materials in basements. The basement was cool, dry, and out of the way, making it ideal for long-term storage.
