Expert: Ronald Fern - 3/4/2010

Question
My 6 yr old daughter found a "token" that says STEEL CITY on one side, the other side is most likely blank, there is so much rust that you can't see it. I noticed that someone else had found one or two of these also. I was wondering if anyone had been able to find out anything about it?

Answer
Hi Susan:

Thanks for asking me to answer your question.

If it has no denomination on it, you are right, it is a medal or token and not a coin. You don't mention the size or thickness of your piece. Where you say rusted, it is likely made of steel.

I searched the web, and found a possible reference for your piece. There was a beer festival held back in October of last year. It was the 35th annual event (held since 1971), and tokens were passed out or purchased for beers. I'm not sure if these "tokens" were made of metal. There may be some translation meaning difference from our language to the British version. Your piece may be one of the beer tokens from the event in Sheffield, UK. See link: http://cuppateaandabiscuit.blogspot.com/2009/10/sheffield-camra-35th-steel-city-...

Many medals are often issued at inflated prices by companies that quickly disappear after a quick profit and any residual value is usually way less than the issue price and worth is based on the precious medal content and collector demand, if any. Tokens are usually less expensive and made of copper, brass, or some other inexpensive metal. The fact that it is rusted, and says "Steel City", may suggest it was issued by Pittsburgh, PA, which it is often referred to.

As far as value, it is likely worth no more than a dollar or two to an interested collector, due in part to the rusted condition of the piece.

You may find similar pieces on Ebay under coins in the exonumia category for comparison.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.