Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a vintage brass amusement token issued by the historic Avalon and Mt. Tabor theatres in Portland, Oregon. One side features a cheerful clown face surrounded by the words 'NO CASH VALUE,' while the reverse shows the same clown upside down, reading 'AVALON & MT. TABOR THEATRES' and 'FUN TOKEN.'
Story
Portland's historic Avalon Theatre opened in 1925 and eventually became legendary as the city's oldest operating movie house and a beloved nickel arcade. This token was a physical passport to mid-century family fun, used to play classic mechanical games.
Maker / Origin
While the specific mint is unmarked, tokens like this were typically struck by major industrial coin and medal manufacturers such as Osborne Coinage or Roger Williams Mint, who supplied custom amusement tokens to arcades and theaters across America.
Condition & Value
The token shows moderate surface wear, minor scratches, and a natural aged brass patina consistent with being handled by excited children and run through arcade machines. This honest wear does not significantly hurt its value, as it proves its authentic use. Amusement tokens are highly collectible but widely produced.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.