Coin Token Curiosity

June 16, 2005 4:17 PM

I found a strange metal token mixed in with my quarters and I'm wondering what it might be.

While sorting through my laundry quarters earlier this week, I found a metal token that I cannot identify. It is almost the exact same size and weight as a quarter but it has smooth edges. On each side it says "NEW Tiger". The "NEW" is in a serif-font and the "Tiger" is in a more cursive-looking typeface. There is no image on the token. Just the text.

Anyone have any clue what this is? I've Googled it six ways to Sunday with no luck.

posted by LeeJay to grab bag (10 comments total)

It's probably some sort of video arcade or sex shop token.
posted by interrobang at 4:38 PM on June 16, 2005

Sorry, on rereading the question, I guess my answer seems kind of abvioius. Does it look like any of these?
posted by interrobang at 4:42 PM on June 16, 2005

*obvious*
posted by interrobang at 4:43 PM on June 16, 2005

Well ... let's see ... could this be anything?

"Welcome new Tiger Cubs to their first pack meeting of the year with an induction ceremony. During the ceremony they receive a special token to carry in their pockets: a reminder of the Big Ideas they will be working on during the year."
posted by ericb at 4:43 PM on June 16, 2005

Maybe something here.
posted by ericb at 4:43 PM on June 16, 2005

Wow.
posted by interrobang at 4:44 PM on June 16, 2005

Could it be one of these?
posted by jessamyn at 4:45 PM on June 16, 2005

I don't think it has anything to do with the Tiger Cubs although I could be wrong. No exact matches yet. My first guess was either arcade token, as suggested by interrobang and ericb, or some sort of marketing novelty.

(I really kind of want to buy those arcade tokens now, though.)
posted by LeeJay at 5:09 PM on June 16, 2005

Upload a photo to photobucket.com or Flickr so that we can see.
posted by grouse at 12:06 AM on June 17, 2005

I have the answer! Visited with Mom today and happened to mention the token. She works at an assisted living home and they have a token-operated poker machine there. The token I have is from that machine. She must have brought one home with her one day and somehow during the course of one of our visits it got mixed up with my change.

I was kind of hoping for mysterious talisman of immense power, but what are you gonna do?
posted by LeeJay at 10:33 AM on June 17, 2005