<< Collecting $1.00 casino tokens can be a rewarding and fun hobby for just about anyone that's interested in casino's, gambling, Vegas, or simply casino tokens in general.  If you're already a coin collector and want to try something a little different, then I suggest giving these tokens a try.  I've been collecting these tokens for about 2 years now and so far I have around 100 full pages of them.  I would have to say that It's probably one of the best and most enjoyable collections I've ever had.

*Note:  Most of the information in this guide can also be applied if your *New* to coin collecting too.

When I first started collecting these tokens I really didn't know anything about them other then the fact I liked the way they looked.  As my collection grew, so did my curiosity about their history.  It's been very rewarding, and at times challenging, trying to learn about these fine pieces of casino history.  Now that I have a good start on my collection, it makes me want to collect them even more. If you decide to collect these tokens here are a few pointers/tips to get you headed in the right direction.


<< First buy some good quality 2 x 2 Mylar holders to put them in and try not to cut cost on these, they aren't that expensive anyway. Some are more stiff then others, so look for ones that are the hardest to bend once the tokens are inside.  Here recently on eBay some sellers have been selling these holders that are way off alignment.  When you go to fold it over there's about a 1/4 inch of space remaining (gaping over), so ask your seller if they have that problem with their's and if so, don't buy them. I tried out quite a few of these until I found the kind that I liked.  I recommend you do the same.  If you find a seller on eBay that has the ones you like, stick with them or buy a ton of them for the future, because it can be hard to find good ones these days.  Keep in mind that these are important to your collection because they are holding your investment. If you want to buy them on eBay do a search for ("coin flips" or "coin holders").

To see more detailed information on coin/token holders follow link:
The 2 most common *COIN HOLDERS* for collecting/storing

      
<< Next, Invest in some good quality notebooks or token albums. If you want to have the best there is, you can buy specially made token books (see picture) from a coin store or simply buy from a reputable eBay seller.  On eBay, do a search for (coin albums).  If you're looking to save some money on your supplies, do what I did and just buy some descent quality 3 ring ("school type") binders at some place like Staples, Office Max or any office supply company.  I like to be able to feel the quality of the notebook before I buy them, so I don't buy mine on eBay.  If you decide to buy your notebooks on eBay, do your search for ("office supplies binders") and it should give you several good sellers to choose from.  Look for ones that have at least a 2 in. ring (preferably bigger) or you won't be able to put many pages in it.  Try and get the notebooks that have the hardest covers otherwise they will crack and bend under the weight of the tokens.  When you get up to around 12 full pages of tokens in a notebook, you're looking at a good bit of weight.  You can also look for notebooks that have a ring that's shaped like a "D".  I saw some at a coin shop a while back and the guy working there explained how the "D" shaped rings are great for holding oversize or thicker pages like the coin holder pages that are very thick.


<< Then you will need to buy the 2 x 2 Mylar holder pages. Look for vinyl pages that have good clarity and are heavy-duty with strong pocket weld joints that are stiff and not easy to bend or crack.  The ones that are the hardest to bend usually have only one thumb-cut (typically) on the bottom of each holder.  The two name brands that I use (when I can find them) are, "Cowens" and "Lead Dog Products".  I have found that though they are basically equal in craftsmanship's, the Lead Dog brand has proven to be the better quality of the two for me personally (see the "Lead Dog" retail box photo).  Both have the "Made in the USA" stamp above the brand names on the pages ( if they don't, they are fakes!).  The cheap flimsy ones (again typically) have either 2 thumb-cuts above and below each holder area or none at all. The thin ones also have a tendency to fold over on themselves when you are flipping through the pages.  I get my mylar pages from the bookstore *Books-A-Million* (there in most cities) and from a local coin shop in my home town (Hyatt Coins/Hyattcoins.com).  Lots of other places sell them too, you just have to look around your town.  Again, I usually don't like to buy these on eBay because you don't get to feel the quality of them first, and that's important to me.  I did try several eBay sellers in the beginning, and all of them sold the flimsy ones even though they advertised that they were "high quality" or "sturdy".  If your willing to take the chance just make sure you ask all your questions first before buying, (make sure it has the brand name on the 3 hole part of the page) and you might get lucky and find a seller that has some good one's.  For buying on eBay do a search for ("binder pages").


  << One last necessity for your collection will be a good reliable stapler.  Try not to cut cost on this either, or you'll regret it in the long run.  Spend at least $15 to $20 Dollars for a good one, because you are going to be using it a lot.  Starting out with a new stapler can be frustrating at times.  Trying to get the staples lined up and on less then a 1/4 inch of space takes some patients, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of where you need to punch it in.  I personally use the "Swingline Speed Grip Electric Stapler" (see photo) that I purchased at Sam's Club for $19.99.  It works great on the token holders and it won't burn your hands out like a standard stapler will over time.  Also, you may want to seriously consider an electric stapler if your hands have arthritis (mine do) or you've dealt with "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" in the past.  (eBay search "stapler") 
**(Don't forget to buy your staples :-)**


I know this is a trivial thing to most collectors, but stapling your tokens in the 2 x 2's all the same way can make a collection look even nicer in there pages (see sample photo below).  There are two ways that I've seen it done and the second way I'm going to tell you about is probably the easiest (at least it is to me) and gives the page a nice uniform look.  The first way and probably the most common among coin and token collectors is to place the token in the holder then staple the 4 corners of the holder.  That way is ok but there is a tendency for the holder to buckle once the last staple is in place giving it an unattractive look.  I did it that way for months before trying the other way.  The second way and again my favorite, is to staple the top and bottom of the holder then slide the token in carefully to allow equal space on all sides.  Once that's done, you can staple the remaining side that's open.  If you're like me, go ahead and staple the opposite side just to give it a uniform look.  Since everybody has different taste, try it both ways and then you can decide which way suites you best.

<< Now for the tokens themselves....
I would have to say that my favorite tokens are the ones with the picture inserts in the middle or somtimes called "sticker tokens" (see samples at left).  These tokens all have some kind of picture in the center.  There are many types of these tokens, but I personally like the Luxor ones the best.  I believe these tokens will be a hot and sought after item in the future once the casinos are no longer giving them out and once they become more scarce.


<< My second favorite tokens are "The Franklin Mint" tokens from the 1960's.  The mintage of these "proof" or "proof-like" tokens were very low, approximately 2500 per token (proof even less), making these jewels rare and very collectible.  Some of the casino's are no longer in existence, for example the Stardust, which ads to the value.  These tokens come in various specially made binders and books from the Mint (See book sample photo).  They are by far the best quality one dollar tokens around today. You can usually identify them by looking for the letter "f" next to the date.  The "F" meaning they were minted by The Franklin Mint.  The majority of them being proof-like are very nice, but the low mintage of the proof tokens are even more so, since they were struck twice to give them the beautiful mirror look they have.  In my book, they are far superior to any other tokens out there on the market today.  Be on the lookout for sellers that are breaking these mint sets up and selling them off individually or in small sets of 4.  You can usually find some great deals on them that way. On this item you will have to do a good bit of searching because not many sellers list them as "Franklin Mint Tokens".  I have found 1 or 2 sellers in the past that does list them with those words in the title of the auction, so give that a try first.

Note on cleaning/shinning these tokens:  If you buy some of these tokens and they are smudged looking, take an old T-shirt or soft cloth and rub hard for about 1 minute on each side and they will look brand new again.  This is true for (most but not all) of the silver colored ones, but not so for the gold ones, they're a different story all together.  When I tried doing this to the gold ones, they had a tendency to look splotchy and tarnished.  You may need to get some kind of cleaner that is specially designed for the gold color.  If I find something that works good one day I will post it on here. 

To read more information on preserving your tokens/coins follow link:
Put a *Silica Gel Packet* in your coin/token collection

<< I realize these aren't dollar tokens, but I also like to collect the gold colored Two Dollar Tokens with the famous landmarks on them as well. These beautiful tokens are great collectibles and surely to go up in value over the years!  The sample ones in the picture are the $2.00 Aladdin Tokens, a complete set of 7 with the "Worlds 7 Wonders" Including; Roman Coliseum, Sphinx & The Pyramids, Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, Parthenon, Great Wall Of China and Taj Mahal


There are many great sellers on eBay that carry these different kinds of tokens I've mentioned.  Also when buying your tokens try and find sellers that aren't trying to make a killing off you with enormous shipping fees.  Free shipping would be the best deal, but if you can't find any sellers like that then around $1.00 to 2.00 dollars is a good price.  Be cautious with sellers that charge more then $3.00 to ship a single token, there's no reason to charge that much when it's only one token in the package or envelope. 


In closing, most tokens are obsolete and there rapidly catching on in popularity.  I believe you can't go wrong collecting these beauties and they will most certainly turn out to be a wise future investment.  If nothing else, something to pass down to your children/grand children.  Thank you for taking the time to read this and remember, this is only my opinion and thoughts on this information.  You decide what you feel is best for you, and go from there.  I will be updating it periodically as needed.  GOOD LUCK with your search and have FUN collecting your DOLLAR CASINO TOKENS!!



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