>>>If instead of turning in 20 "silver strikes" for a one-pound silver medallion that was not won at the machine ... a collector was permitted to turn in 20 "silver strikes" for a one-pound silver coffee mug .... Would the one-pound silver coffee mug be considered eligible for SSOTY?">>>

"NO"

Not unless it's been approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission as a redeemable gaming token.

I think that there is a failure to realize that these $200 1 troy pound Silver Strikes we are talking about are indeed GAMING TOKENS. Unlike the Sierra Sid's 1 troy pound tokens which are NOT Gaming Tokens.