Howard Thurston the Magician Good Luck Token

USA, Howard Thurston (Private Issue) · 1928

A vintage magician's token featuring the profile of Howard Thurston with a good luck motif on the reverse.

Country: USA, Howard Thurston (Private Issue)
Year: 1928
Denomination: None (Souvenir Token)
Metal: Bronze or Copper-plated Steel

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Identified June 25, 2026More usa, howard thurston (private issue) coins →

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Overview

A vintage magician's token featuring the profile of Howard Thurston with a good luck motif on the reverse.

Historical significance

Howard Thurston (1869-1936) was a famous stage magician who succeeded Harry Kellar. These 'Good Luck' tokens were sold or given away during his traveling shows in the late 1920s to promote his performances and keep his name in the public eye.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile portrait of Howard Thurston centered. Legend: 'THURSTON THE MAGICIAN' / '1928'

Reverse (back)

A shield topped by an eagle. Across the shield are the words 'GOOD LUCK'. Flanking the shield is the legend 'NEVER FAILS'. The date '1928' is repeated at the bottom.

Estimated value

$10-$25 in average circulated condition, $40-$75 in high-grade uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade and eye appeal (lustre). High-grade specimens with original bronze finish command a premium from both exonumia and magic history collectors.

Grade assessment

Very Fine to Extremely Fine. The portrait shows some smoothing of the high points, and there is visible surface wear/scratches on the protective plastic or the token itself.

Mintage & rarity

Common for numismatic tokens; thousands were produced but surviving high-grade examples are more scarce.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic pieces have sharp lettering and a consistent weight. Modern reproductions exist but usually lack the depth and detail of the 1928 striking.

Notable varieties & errors

Several different Thurston token designs exist from different years, but the 1928 'Never Fails' shield is the most iconic variety.

Similar coins

Often confused with tokens for other magicians like Harry Blackstone, Dante, or earlier medals of Herrmann the Great. Distinguished by the specific Thurston portrait and 1928 date.