Are you a vecturist? No, I'm not referring to membership in some obscure political party.
Derived from the Latin vectura, meaning fare or passage-money, a vecturist is an exonumist who specializes in transportation-related tokens. (Exonumia are all those numismatic and related items - i.e., everything from animal tags and subway tokens to commemorative medals and wooden nickels - other than legal tender.)
Transportation tokens were initially manufactured in response to coin shortages, but they soon supplanted regular coinage due to their convenience. In turn, tokens are now being replaced by electronic payment methods, making them ever more attractive to collectors.
Tokens have been issued in such variety that specialization is almost a must. Country- or city-of-origin, mode of transportation (ferry, bus, train, etc.), material (brass, zinc, plastic, etc.) and time period are just a few of the areas upon which collectors concentrate. There are also transportation-related tokens, such as for car washes and parking meters, that are sought after, And because most tokens can be purchased for just a few dollars at most, many collectors are able to amass quite sizable collections.
If you would like to learn more about this interesting collectible, check out the recommended resources below.
Books
"The Atwood - Coffee Catalogue of United States Canadian Transportation Tokens, Sixth Edition," by John M. Coffee and Harold V. Ford Link to application in PDF format
Considered the "bible" of transportation tokens. Available to AVA members on the membership form.
"Cash, Tokens, & Transfers: A History of Urban Mass Transit in North America," by Brian Cudahy Link to book on Amazon.com
Vecturist.com
This is the portal for the American Vecturist Association (AVA). Members receive a monthly newsletter (Fare Box), discounts on publications, invitation to annual convention, more.
About the author:
Michele Alice is AuctionBytes-Update Contributing Editor. Michele is a freelance writer in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts. She collects books, science fiction memorabilia and more! Email her at makalice @ adelphia.net eBay ID: Malice9
You may quote up to 200 words of any article on the condition that you attribute the article to AuctionBytes.com and either link to the original article or to www.AuctionBytes.com. All other use is prohibited.
