Buying Interesting and Scarce Coins or Tokens - is Still Possible

                      Very Scarce Token

It is difficult to compete with collectors for many U.S. coins and prices can be very expensive or there can be a lot of competition for interesting or scarce coins, especially when many coins have limited mintages or few are available in the marketplace. The good news is that the coin market has a sister, yes you read correctly, the coin market has a sister market or also known as, Tokens. 

Many Tokens, just like coins, are also very limited in supply, with some of them being very scarce and others even being very rare. Not to mention, many Tokens have attractive designs, just like U.S. coins and many times, even more appealing designs. And all, for a fraction of the cost of many scarce or rare U.S. coins.

Chief indian on a U.S. $5 Legal Currency Note

Example of a Scarce Token – with an Iconic Chief Indian Head Design

Take for example this spectacular white metal “Indian Head Chief“ Token that aroused our interest and that we will highlight in this article as an example of a nice Token with a lot of quality factors that make it appealing to collectors and that can still be found in the marketplace. First of all, this Chief Indian Token has a very interesting and attractive design. The obverse displays an iconic Chief Indian motif facing left, with what appears like a horse show above the Indian Chief’s Bust. The design looks very similar to the very popular Buffalo Nickel design used on U.S coins from 1913-1937. And, it’s also similar to the design used on the attractive and historical $5 1899 Silver Certificates. Just a beautiful design to say the least. In fact, if you are a collector of U.S. coins and Currency, then this Indian Chief Token would be a perfect fit for a set of Indian or Native American Set of Coins, Currency or other Collectibles, as an example. So the point is, that there are many interesting Tokens with beautiful designs that are scarce or rare that can be purchased for much less than a coin of the same rarity.

Now if we go back to the Indian Token that we are discussing. The Indian Token is struck in white metal displaying attractive original luster, similar to other original U.S. coins. As you can clearly see, the design is well-crafted. The Chief Indian head face is skillfully impressed on the front side, while the backside is plain. The reverse of the Token has a mysterious blank reverse, or what is referred to as a “Uniface” reverse. Coins or Tokens with a Uniface reverse are quite scarce themselves and add a little intrigue to coins or tokens. It poses such questions as to why it has a blank design on the reverse of the coin or token, which leaves a lot of room for the imagination. Did a Mint employee or Token producer maker go on a lunch break and forgot to add the reverse design? Did someone forget to add a reverse die to strike the coin or token? Did someone create it intentionally to produce a scarce type of coin or token? As you can see there is a lot of room for the imagination when it comes to interesting Tokens such as this one.

Official 5c Nickel with Indian Buffalo

Beauty and design are some of the most desirable characteristics for a coin or a coin collection. Some collectors look for coins with vividness and flawlessness, while others are drawn to them because of their design or artwork. Others, like scarce or rare coins that are hardly available or they also like the pursuit of a rare item such as this Token. This Chief Indian Head Token is an example of a Token that is scarce, yet, can still be found and that offers all this and much more for the astute collector trying to find an attractive coin. I’ve always liked the Native American head design, and this  Token is certainly a good looking one, especially with the plain backside.

Finally

You can either collect coins for completing your collection or search for a certain rare piece. Tokens are just as rewarding, as they offer fun and excitement just like the Token we discussed in this article. There are many more Tokens like this in the market that offer scarcity, beautiful nostalgic designs and lots of enjoyment to collect. Hope You have fun finding your next Token!