This 1 1/2″ wooden nickel is a rare and collectible piece of exonumia, created for advertising and promotional purposes to commemorate the extraordinary career of magician Raymond Corbin, also known as Ray-Mond, from Westminster, Maryland. The front of the nickel features the inscription “Living Member, Hall of Fame, Good Luck” around the top edge and “National Pres. SAM 1984-85” around the bottom edge, highlighting his distinguished achievements. The center showcases “Good Luck” and a horseshoe image, with “Ray-Mond” and “Raymond M. Corbin” proudly displayed.

The reverse side features the logo of the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) in the center, with the text “S.A.M. Convention – Indianapolis July 1-4, 1992” surrounding the edge, commemorating a significant event in the world of magic.

Ray-Mond was a full-time magician whose career spanned vaudeville, touring with the Yankee Doodlers Ninth Air Force entertainment team during World War II, and later opening a Magic Studio in Westminster, Maryland. He performed with his illusion show in the late 1940s, which eventually became a ghost show. Ray-Mond was the founder of the Ray-Mond Assembly S.A.M. in Westminster, Maryland, one of the organizing founders of the Society of Young Magicians, and served as the National SAM President from 1984-1985. He was also a Silver Star member of the Inner Magic Circle in London and a member of the Order of Merlin Excalibur in the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

A prolific writer, Ray-Mond contributed articles to New Tops and Legerdemain magazines. In 1990, he was elected to the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting impact on the magical community.

This wooden nickel is not only a tribute to Ray-Mond’s illustrious career but also a significant piece of magic history, making it a must-have for collectors of magic memorabilia and exonumia enthusiasts.