Phoenix Regional Transit Token (Cactus Design)

United States, Phoenix (Arizona) Transit · Circa 1980s - 1990s

A small brass transit token featuring a desert landscape with a large saguaro cactus and the sun on the obverse.

Country: United States, Phoenix (Arizona) Transit
Year: Circa 1980s - 1990s
Denomination: One Fare
Metal: Brass

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 June 23, 2026More united states, phoenix (arizona) transit coins →

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Overview

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.

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.

Estimated value

$1.00 - $3.00 (Common circulated condition)

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.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (shows minor surface oxidation/toning but very little physical wear on the high points).

Mintage & rarity

Common; millions were minted for daily commuters.

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.

Similar coins

Often confused with other southwestern transit tokens or 'no cash value' amusement tokens; distinguished by the specific Phoenix 'Regional Transit' text.

Care & preservation

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.