How much do transit tokens cost?

coinguy89

Like if I wanted alot in bulk, say at a show? Are they expensive or relitively cheap? I don't want to many, but I think it would be neat to just buy a bunch and try to figure out what they are, where they came from, they're grade, date, value, you know, just really neat coins.

lordmarcovan

They shouldn't be that expensive, generally speaking.

cladking

Good mixtures are available in quantity at 5c each. There should be at least about fifteen
different issues at this price. The price starts going up sharply at around 40 diff, and at 100
different they'll cost about 15c even in good quantity.

There are about 250 easily acquired common tokens and a similar number of more difficult yet
still common tokens. After that they start getting expensive and will usuallty cost at least a
dollar or two each. Rare tokens start at about $3 catalog each but will require 3x or 4x catalog
to purchase in many cases.

Don't take the "common" tokens too much for granted. Many of these are varieties and can
be quite scarce, especially in nice condition.

coinguy89

<< <i>Good mixtures are available in quantity at 5c each. There should be at least about fifteen
different issues at this price. The price starts going up sharply at around 40 diff, and at 100
different they'll cost about 15c even in good quantity.

There are about 250 easily acquired common tokens and a similar number of more difficult yet
still common tokens. After that they start getting expensive and will usuallty cost at least a
dollar or two each. Rare tokens start at about $3 catalog each but will require 3x or 4x catalog
to purchase in many cases.

Don't take the "common" tokens too much for granted. Many of these are varieties and can
be quite scarce, especially in nice condition. >>



Im not taking them for granted, im starting to have a great interest in tokens of all sorts now.

lordmarcovan

You should save up and get yourself a copy of the Rulau encyclopedia for those older ones.

cladking

The Atwood-Coffee catalog of transportation tokens is an excellent buy for collectors
of these. There is not a great deal of historical information in volume 1 but the listing
is quite comprehensive. Volume 3 lists many of the varieties but don't take the pic-
ture too seriously.

If you join the AVA you can get a steep discount on the catalog and they tend to be
very helpful to new collectors. Take it a little slowly at first and get a feel for prices.
Catalog prices actually work but there are different fudge factors for each state and
price range. Try some trading, it can really hold down costs if you can find good trading
partners.

Aethelred

This thread is a trip.