Was going through Tarbell vol 2 lesson 23ish when I recognized a hand drawn coin.. and was like, "I have a coin that looks like that." I Think it's a nod to Kantner's magic shop in Philadelphia. Would enjoy any info you have on the coin and its relation (if any) to Kantner's.

Back in 1932 a half dollar had the buying power of around $11 in today's money.
I believe it was meant as a cheap stand in for what the audience would assume was a .50 cent piece. So you could drill holes, add pulls, etc.

Click here to view attached image.