1934 Union Pacific M-10000 Lucky Piece Token
Country of Origin: United States, Union Pacific Railroad / ALCOA
Year of Issue: 1934
Denomination: None (Souvenir Token)
Composition: Aluminum
Brief Description
A silver-colored aluminum souvenir medal commemorating the 1934 Union Pacific streamlined train.
Historical Significance
This token was issued for the 1934-1935 Chicago Century of Progress World's Fair. It commemorates the Union Pacific M-10000, the first internal combustion-powered streamlined train in the U.S., highlighting the innovative use of aluminum in its construction.
Estimated Value
$10-$25 in average circulated condition; $40-$75 for high-grade or uncirculated examples.
Care Instructions
Aluminum is a soft metal prone to scratching and corrosion from skin oils. Handle by the edges or with gloves and store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule.
Mint Mark
Greenduck Co., Chicago
Mintage & Rarity
Common; produced in high volumes for the World's Fair, but well-preserved examples are sought after.
Weight & Diameter
Approximately 3.4 grams; 32 mm diameter
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
About Uncirculated; shows light surface scratches and minor oxidation consistent with age, but maintains crisp details.
Obverse (Front)
Features a profile view of the M-10000 streamlined train moving to the right. Legends: 'UNION' above, 'PACIFIC' below, '1934' to the left, and 'LUCKY PIECE' above the bottom rocker.
Reverse (Back)
Text: 'A SAMPLE OF THE ALUMINUM IN THE NEW UNION PACIFIC TRAIN BUILT BY PULLMAN CAR & MFG. CORP.' Features the ALCOA shield logo and 'ALUMINUM CO. OF AMERICA' below. 'GREENDUCK CHI.' in small letters at base.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition is the primary factor, as aluminum scratches easily. Presence of original luster increases value significantly.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 1933 or 1936 versions of similar Union Pacific 'Lucky Pieces' commemorating later train models (like the City of Salina or City of Denver).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic pieces are struck, not cast, and should have crisp lettering. Verify the Greenduck Co. signature at the bottom of the reverse.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Minor variations in the ALCOA logo size and placement exist; some were issued with holes for keychains.
Created At: 2026-06-25T04:02:05.571978