Telephone tokens, small metal coins used to activate public telephones, are now an object of the past in Italy, replaced by mobile phones and prepaid cards. However, for some they still represent a collectible piece of history, especially the rarer models or those with particular characteristics.
Telephone tokens: a piece of Italian telecommunications history
They were used to activate public telephones and have been a reality in Italy for over 50 years. Their story begins in 1927, when Stipel, concessionaire of the telephone service in Piedmont and Lombardy, introduced them for the first time at the Milan Trade Fair.
Initially, the tokens were made of nickel silver (an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc) or bronze and could only be used in public telephones inside the Fair. In the following years, their use spread throughout Italy and became the standard method for paying for public telephone calls.
Although no longer in use for their original purpose, telephone tokens have become collector’s items for many. Their history and design make them fascinating for enthusiasts of numismatics and vintage objects.
The value of collectible telephone tokens
The value of a collectible telephone token depends on several factors, including:
- Rarity: Rarer tokens, such as those produced in limited runs or with minting errors, have a higher value.
- Conditions: The state of conservation of the token is important. A perfectly preserved token will have a greater value than a worn or damaged one.
- Year of issue: Older tokens, especially those dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, tend to have a higher value.
- Series: Some series of telephone tokens are more sought after by collectors than others, increasing their value.
Here are which telephone tokens have the greatest value
The THYME from 1928, a nickel token, minted by the Bolognese workshop, which can reach a value of 1,300 euros in the best conditions. If worn, its value is around 200 euros.
De 1932 is the TELVE. Made of brass, this rare token can be worth up to 350 euros.
The value of the telephone token fluctuates between 70 and 150 euros SET of 1934.
We also have the THETIS of 1935, which, depending on the state, its price can vary from 30 to 200 euros.
The series ESM without logo has different ratings, referring to different serial numbers. Therefore, for the 5908 these are tokens that can reach a value of 250 euros; an example with serial number 5909 on eBay was sold for 440 euros; instead the serial numbers 6304, 6404, 6503 and 6504 respectively are rare telephone tokens that can be worth up to 300 euros.
