Penny arcades were known as such because the coin operated machines they contained used a penny, or penny-sized token. After the turn of the century, the availability of phonographs for purchase and use in private homes decreased the value of coin operated music in public establishments. Music that used to cost a nickel to hear, in many venues, only cost a penny. Therefore the “nickel-in-slot phonograph” of the 1880’s and 1890’s became a “penny” operated phonograph in the 1900’s, housed in a penny arcade.
Most of these arcades has tokens to be used in their establishment. Today I have for sale 8 of these tokens from the turn of the century. They are shown, front and back, in the pictures below. These are really cool to have, even if you don't have a coin operated phonograph.
Price is $12.00 each, plus nominal shipping. No PayPal on this, but checks are fine.
Please contact [email protected] with interet.
Thank you
Shawn
SOLD: PENNY ARCADE TOKENS - $12 Each
- Shawn
- Victor IV
- Posts: 1882
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SOLD: PENNY ARCADE TOKENS - $12 Each
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