Howard Thurston the Magician Good Luck Token
Country of Origin: USA, Howard Thurston (Private Issue)
Year of Issue: 1928
Denomination: None (Souvenir Token)
Composition: Bronze or Copper-plated Steel
Brief Description
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.
Estimated Value
$10-$25 in average circulated condition, $40-$75 in high-grade uncirculated condition
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the original patina and collector value.
Mint Mark
None (Privately struck, often attributed to the Greenduck Co. or Scovill)
Mintage & Rarity
Common for numismatic tokens; thousands were produced but surviving high-grade examples are more scarce.
Weight & Diameter
Approx. 7-8 grams; 31-32 mm (similar to a US Half Dollar)
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Created At: 2026-06-25T02:33:13.247369