Tokens & Medals

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

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
Living Statues

Living Statues

February 7, 2025

Read time 5 min read

The Franklin Museum advertised its risqué entertainment featuring women posing as statues 
by counterstamping circulating coinage.

Living Statues
Ugly…but Oh So Rare!

Ugly…but Oh So Rare!

January 7, 2025

Read time 5 min read

A maverick token that only a collector could love turned out to be issued by a previously unknown Virginia merchant.

Ugly…but Oh So Rare!