Phoenix Regional Transit Token (Cactus Design)
Country of Origin: United States, Phoenix (Arizona) Transit
Year of Issue: Circa 1980s - 1990s
Denomination: One Fare
Composition: Brass
Brief Description
A small brass transit token featuring a desert landscape with a large saguaro cactus and the sun on the obverse.
Historical Significance
Used for public transportation in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. These tokens were used after the city took over private bus lines to create the Phoenix Transit System, later becoming Valley Metro. They represent the era of physical tokens before the transition to electronic fare cards.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $3.00 (Common circulated condition)
Care Instructions
Store in a dry location. Avoid cleaning with chemicals which can strip the original patina. Handle by the edges to prevent skin oils from causing spots.
Mint Mark
None (Typically produced by private mints like Osborne Coinage)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; millions were minted for daily commuters.
Weight & Diameter
Approx. 4.0 grams; approx. 20mm (Similar to a US Nickel size)
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (shows minor surface oxidation/toning but very little physical wear on the high points).
Obverse (Front)
A stylized desert scene featuring a large saguaro cactus in the center, a smaller cactus to the left, and a circular sun to the right. Text reads 'REGIONAL TRANSIT' at the top and 'TOKEN' at the bottom.
Reverse (Back)
Centrally located text 'ONE TOKEN' surrounded by two circular border lines. Small manufacturer mark 'RWM' may be visible at the bottom.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and eye appeal. Because they are common, value is mostly driven by local historical interest or completion of a transit token collection.
Similar Coins
Often confused with other southwestern transit tokens or 'no cash value' amusement tokens; distinguished by the specific Phoenix 'Regional Transit' text.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic tokens will have crisp lettering and a weight consistent with brass. Counterfeits of common transit tokens are virtually non-existent due to low market value.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Some minor metal variations (lighter or darker brass) exist based on different production runs.
Created At: 2026-06-23T16:19:11.162251