Nik-O-Lok Restroom Token

United States · Mid-to-late 20th century

A brass-colored token featuring text indicating its use for restroom access via the Nik-O-Lok coin-operated lock system, with a public service message on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: Mid-to-late 20th century
Denomination: N/A (Exonumia / Token)
Metal: Brass or bronze-plated base metal

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 8, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A brass-colored token featuring text indicating its use for restroom access via the Nik-O-Lok coin-operated lock system, with a public service message on the reverse.

Historical significance

Nik-O-Lok tokens represent a fascinating era of commercial architecture and public convenience when pay toilets were common in public spaces, transit stations, and department stores across the United States. The Nik-O-Lok Company, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a pioneer in coin-operated door locks for restrooms.

Obverse (front)

Features the text 'NIK-O-LOK' arched at the top, horizontal dividing lines flanking 'RESTROOM TOKEN' in the center, and 'Indianapolis, Indiana' arched along the bottom rim.

Reverse (back)

Features the four-line public service text 'Help keep our restrooms clean' centered on the field.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

What drives this coin's value

Condition, interesting social history, and collector demand for transit and vending tokens.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated / Mint State (AU/MS) with minor handling marks and good original luster.

Mintage & rarity

Common, widely used across many establishments over several decades.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

These tokens were produced in large quantities for utilitarian purposes and are rarely counterfeited, as they hold little intrinsic precious metal value.