Albert Einstein Shell Game Token
Country of Origin: United States; Issued by Shell Oil Company
Year of Issue: 1968
Denomination: None (Game Token)
Composition: Aluminum
Brief Description
A lightweight aluminum promotional game token featuring a portrait of Albert Einstein on the obverse.
Historical Significance
This token was part of the 'Famous Facts & Faces' game, a promotional sweepstakes held by Shell Oil Company gas stations in the late 1960s. Customers received tokens with purchases to complete a board for prizes.
Estimated Value
$1 - $5 (Commonly found in bulk lots or individually for nominal prices)
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning as aluminum is soft and scratches easily. Store in a PVC-free flip or 2x2 holder to prevent oxidation/corrosion.
Mint Mark
None (Franklin Mint produced many of these, though no mark is visible here)
Mintage & Rarity
Millions produced; very common.
Weight & Diameter
Approx. 1.5g and 26mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (some surface scratches and minor oxidation spots visible on the reverse)
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Albert Einstein facing forward; 'ALBERT EINSTEIN' along the top rim; '© 1968' and signature on the left field.
Reverse (Back)
Text in center: 'SHELL'S Famous & Facts Faces GAME'; bordered by decorative shell patterns representing the company logo.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and completeness of a set. Individual tokens have very little financial value unless part of a complete original game or an error variety.
Similar Coins
Often confused with real currency or medals; similar to tokens from Shell's 'Mr. President' or 'States of the Union' series.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight is the primary factor; aluminum tokens are exceptionally light. Modern reproductions are rare as the originals have little value.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Some minor die rotations exist, but none add significant value to this specific series.
Created At: 2026-06-25T01:45:22.945320