Tokens & Medals

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

Vicksburg Peace Jubilee

December 6, 2024

5 min read

Union and Confederate veterans celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the Civil War’s end in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Vicksburg Peace Jubilee

Coast to Coast Bicycle Race

November 7, 2024

5 min read

It took bicyclists less than two weeks to complete transcontinental relay races across the United States in 1896 and 1934.

Coast to Coast Bicycle Race

Underground Wealth

October 7, 2024

6 min read

North Carolina mining companies issued tokens in small quantities that could be redeemed for merchandise at their stores.

Underground Wealth

Bottoms Up!

September 12, 2024

3 min read

A 19th-century liquor wholesaler issued a merchant token to drum up business at his Tacoma-based establishment.

Bottoms Up!

Trip Cancellation

September 9, 2024

5 min read

A medal was issued for President William McKinley’s planned visit to Montana in 1901, but the tour never took place.

Trip Cancellation

Tracking Down Mavericks

August 7, 2024

5 min read

Uncommon names and unusual locations are helpful clues when trying to identify tokens issued by unknown merchants.

Tracking Down Mavericks

Effervescent Remedy

July 2, 2024

4 min read

A chemist who developed a drug to relieve headaches relied heavily on all forms of advertising to promote his cure.

Effervescent Remedy

Behind the Badge

July 1, 2024

1 min read

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture recently acquired nearly 150 historic Charleston slave badges.

Behind the Badge

Flying High

June 4, 2024

5 min read

Civilian and military aviators thrilled spectators with aerial stunts, mock battles, and evening shows at the 1926 National Air Races.

Flying High

Judy’s Magic Touch

May 1, 2024

5 min read

A teacher turned farmer achieved success as a financier and established a town in Indiana that bears his name.

Judy’s Magic Touch

Sweet Sensation

April 1, 2024

4 min read

Tokens were issued for a convention organized by American confectioners that took place  the week after the 1893 Columbian Exposition ended.

Sweet Sensation

A “Depotel” Token

March 5, 2024

6 min read

A businessman issued tokens for customers who purchased a roundtrip bus ride in Fargo, North Dakota.

A “Depotel” Token

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