Tokens & Medals

Explore fascinating tales of currency substitutes and bold, artistic works told by the hobby’s leading experts.

Arctic Expedition Medal

Arctic Expedition Medal

September 11, 2025

Read time 8 min read

The U.S. Mint struck a medal for the survivors of an ill-fated Arctic expedition led by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander George DeLong.

Arctic Expedition Medal
Sea Service

Sea Service

September 8, 2025

Read time 5 min read

The Navy League issued a few hundred gilt brass membership badges for its 1912 convention in Washington, D.C.

Sea Service
Uncovering an Illusionist’s Legacy

Uncovering an Illusionist’s Legacy

August 5, 2025

Read time 3 min read

A historically and culturally significant medal depicting a 19th-century magician represents the intersection between magic and history.

Uncovering an Illusionist’s Legacy
Pro Patria

Pro Patria

August 5, 2025

Read time 4 min read

An unusual French patriotic silver medal celebrates the victory of the United States in the Spanish-American War.

Pro Patria
Unlucky in Love

Unlucky in Love

July 8, 2025

Read time 5 min read

An investigation into a Buffalo token reveals a saloon owner’s scandalous past and his bullet-riddled love story.

Unlucky in Love
Dutch Roots

Dutch Roots

June 5, 2025

Read time 4 min read

Founded in 1835, the Saint Nicholas Society honors New York’s Dutch heritage with speakers, social events, and honorary medals.

Dutch Roots
Confederate Veterans

Confederate Veterans

May 5, 2025

Read time 4 min read

Members of the Pickett-Buchanan Camp were proud of their military service and wore medals issued by the veteran organization.

Confederate Veterans
The 1891 “Doubled Ear”: A Top 100 VAM

The 1891 “Doubled Ear”: A Top 100 VAM

April 7, 2025

Read time 4 min read

The 1891 "Doubled Ear" VAM may not seem interesting at first glance, but it has three varieties with two interesting die states.

The 1891 “Doubled Ear”: A Top 100 VAM
Summer Fair & Fiesta

Summer Fair & Fiesta

April 4, 2025

Read time 4 min read

The city of Santa Fe celebrated its 333rd anniversary with music, exhibits, staged battles, and other attractions.

Summer Fair & Fiesta
Honesty Is the Best Policy

Honesty Is the Best Policy

March 7, 2025

Read time 6 min read

The owner of a Kentucky taxi business restored customers’ confidence in the industry by focusing on safety and integrity.

Honesty Is the Best Policy
The Royal Economic Society of Havana Medal

The Royal Economic Society of Havana Medal

February 20, 2025

Read time 3 min read

Havana's Royal Economic Society of Friends issued medals of oxidized silver as a mark of distinction for its members.

The Royal Economic Society of Havana Medal
Tokens from the Fringe

Tokens from the Fringe

February 10, 2025

Read time 4 min read

The ANA Library helped this author with his research on the connection between American hobo nickels and Australian convict tokens.

Tokens from the Fringe