WHY THE AMERICAN VECTURIST ASSOCIATION IS DIFFERENT
We Catalog Tokens That Were Actually Used For Transportation
The American Vecturist Association is the only organization whose catalog is limited to transportation tokens that were actually used, or officially intended for use, in providing transportation.
These include tokens issued for buses, streetcars, subways, railways, ferries, taxicabs, toll roads, bridges, and other forms of transportation.
This important standard separates the AVA from broader token-listing websites.
Some websites include items that may look like transportation tokens but were never used to carry a passenger or provide transportation. These may include:
• Fantasy or novelty tokens created for amusement
• Tokens made by individuals for their personal collections
• Pieces produced for speculation or resale
• Tokens manufactured primarily for profit
• Items that look transportation-related but have no documented transportation use
These pieces may still be interesting collectibles, but they are not genuine transportation tokens.
Our Standard is Actual Transportation Use
For a token to be recognized and cataloged by the AVA, there should be reasonable evidence that it was issued, accepted, or officially intended for use in providing transportation.
The AVA researches, identifies, classifies, catalogs, and preserves genuine transportation tokens and the history of the transportation systems that used them.
When someone uses AVA resources, that person is studying more than token-shaped objects. They are discovering genuine pieces of transportation history.
Join the Worldwide Transportation Token Community
Founded in 1948, the American Vecturist Association brings together collectors, researchers, historians, museums, libraries, and transportation enthusiasts from around the world.
AVA members receive The Fare Box, our monthly publication, along with access to collecting information, specialized catalogs, conventions, buying and trading opportunities, and the fellowship of others who share this fascinating hobby.
