Mystery Lures

I hit these in a tackle box lot on Ebay.
They are one cent coins, edge-drilled and joined by split rings. Swivel snaps are on either end, to attach hooks and to tie the line to. Stick-on eyes were added and a couple of them have plastic flippers added.
It's a good idea, I suppose, and I've read that John Hildebrandt used a dime to make the first of his now famous spinners.
Has anybody seen these?
If so, are they commonly used and where?
What fish are they intended to catch?