Transit Tokens

Transit Tokens: The Forgotten Coin

Coin collectors are increasingly adding transportation tokens to their collections. Transit tokens are very affordable, especially relative to coins. Tokens feature complex designs and capture a moment in history.

The majority of transportation tokens sold are used. Many transit systems have moved away from tokens, so they are no longer valid for travel. However, used transportation tokens still have value as collectibles. The condition of the token strongly impacts their value.

Transit tokens are graded the same way coins are. The two major coin certifying companies, PCGS and NGC, also certify tokens. For certified tokens, the grading might be numerical, with higher numbers indicating a better condition. As with coins, the better the condition, the more valuable the token. Still, many very affordable transit tokens are available to collectors. These tokens are often heavily used and show significant wear. Transit tokens were first widely used in the United States in the 1830s. Antique bus tokens are more likely to show wear and damage compared to contemporary bus tokens..

Transit tokens can be purchased for a number of purposes. Depending on why they are needed, there are a few things to consider:

• Material: Some tokens may be made of metals that are more valuable by bulk weight than the price of the token
• Utility: Some tokens are still in use in certain transit locations; bulk and discounted tokens for these public transport areas are available on eBay.
• Rarity: Collectors often seek rare tokens. Rarity may be based on a limited run of tokens from a municipality or a series with a distinct error on them, similar to coins with double stamping marks.

New York City has the largest transit system in the United States. They are the oldest transit system as well and have produced a variety of NYC tokens over the years. The Metropolitan Transit Authority one fare coin is one of the more striking tokens since it contains a cutout in the center of the coin. This cutout has varied from a pentagon to the "Y" in the NYC logo. A special bus token in honor of the system's Diamond Jubilee in 1979 has a diamond-shaped cutout. The variety of shapes makes these NYC subway tokens visually appealing.

You can build a collection around these affordable NYC tokens. They are available as single coins, in bulk sets, and even as framed memorabilia that highlights different themes like years, types of transport and anniversary editions.