In the 19th century, the term strongman referred to an exhibitor of strength or circus performers who displayed feats of strength.

They would support large amounts of weight held overhead at arm's length, bend steel, break chains, etc. Due to the circus and entertainment background, nineteenth century bodybuilders were expected to mingle with the crowd during intermission and perform strength feats like card tearing, nail bending, etc. to demonstrate strength as well as symmetry and size.

A tessellation is created when a shape is repeated over and over again covering a plane without any gaps or overlaps. These coins are a tessellating pattern which interlock seamlessly.

---

Additional info for Warren Travis
Warren Lincoln Travis was the first famous strongman in the United States and a world champion back and hip lifter, who performed feats of strength on Coney Island in the first quarter of the 20th century.