I found this in a box of coins my uncle had. I cant find ANYTHING online. Please, someone, tell what this is, how old it is, and if anything, whats it worth. Thanks RB13
Probably a "Hard Times Token" from the 1830-40's, when merchants issued metallic tokens to help overcome an extreme shortage of small change. The tokens were generally, like yours, only redeemable at the issuing business. There is a Pratt City in Alabama, near Birmingham, and another in Kansas, near Witchita, but there is nothing on your token to indicate whether the Union Saloon was located in one of those towns, or some other Pratt. Most Hard Times Tokens have relatively nominal values, and those with greater value can only realize it if you locate a collector whose specialty requires him/her to have that particular piece.
RB13, This was apparently a saloon in Birmingham, Alabama c.early 1900's. This might be right in your backyard if you're near Birmingham. I doubt this token dates any earlier than 1890, but I'm just guessing. Yoy might want to check the website of the Token and Medal Society (TAMS), they might be able to help. It's www.tokenandmedal.org. Good Luck! Bruce
Hey I really apreciate this. Im pretty close to B'ham. (Crime Capital of the south). Like I said, my uncle had it in a can of screws. I had no clue what it was. Im about to open that link now. Many a thanks to both of you RB13
I have an Alabama Trade token reference, but your token was not listed in it. Pratt City was listed, with three token issuers. Two were saloons, and all three tokens were listed at R10 rarity (1 to 5 known), so if it is an Alabama token, Pratt City appears to be a tough town. Kansas is one of the few states that I do not have covered by a reference. Saloon tokens in general are quite desirable, and I would expect its worth to be $50.00+. If it can be positively tied to a scarce town like Pratt City, Alabama, its value can be pushed substantially higher. Nice token.
I just took a look at a Saloon Token reference, but did not find your token there either, suggesting it may be quite scarce. It did mention that for Alabama there are 19 towns listed that had issued saloon tokens, with a total known population of 41 tokens. Numbers for Kansas are about half those of Alabama.
Wow! Thanks! Its been so hard to find ANY info on this token. All I know about this saloon is that it was opened in 1897 and closed in 1905. Since it was a short lived saloon, you would think that there are not to many of them out. Hey thats great. I cant thank you enough! I was pulling my hair out trying to find any info. time to slap the token in a 2x2 and never let it see the light of day! LOL Thanks again!
