Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A vintage brass transit token issued by the Rockville Centre Bus Corporation. It features a distinctive central cut-out design with a stylized depiction of an early mid-century transit bus, flanked by the text 'ROCKVILLE CENTRE BUS CORP.' on one side and 'GOOD FOR LOCAL FARE' on the reverse.
Story
Long Island commuters in the mid-20th century dropped these brass tokens into fareboxes daily. This tiny survivor represents the bustling post-war expansion of New York's suburbs, when local bus lines connected growing neighborhoods to the Long Island Rail Road.
Maker / Origin
While the specific mint is unmarked, tokens like this were typically struck by major private minting firms such as the Osborne Register Company (ORCO) of Cincinnati or Meyer & Wenthe of Chicago, who specialized in secure, durable transit and trade tokens.
Condition & Value
The token shows minor surface wear, light oxidation, and gentle pocket wear consistent with actual circulation. The details of the bus and lettering remain crisp and legible. Excellent preservation for a circulated piece. Transit tokens are a highly active but very affordable niche of exonumia (numismatic items other than coins).
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.