It pays to try different search terms (and to study your reference books) 0

[Just Bob]

Most of my token purchases come from Ebay, and I usually search for them using terms like "Mississippi (or Miss or MS) Token," "Lumber Token," etc. But, every now and then I try something different, and I recently searched just the word "Tokens," and stumbled across a listing for a maverick (unattributed) token. I thought I recognized the business name, Crescent Bakery,  from my Mississippi token reference book, so I looked it up, and it was indeed a token from Gulfport, which was listed as an R10. That means that, when the book was written, there was only one of those tokens known to exist. Obviously, rarity estimates have to be taken with a grain of salt, since new discoveries are being made and new hoards are sometimes uncovered, but this token is not listed on the Token Collector website, meaning that one probably has not come up for sale in several years, if ever. So, I presume that there are still only a handful of them in existence - maybe 4 or 5, or even less (just a guess on my part, admittedly.) The token was obviously dug from the ground, because it showed environmental damage, and he had it listed for $8.99 plus shipping, but I offered the seller $5, and he took it. Needless to say, I was happy to get it, despite the ugliness, since it may be the only chance I will ever have to add one of these to my collection.

Earlier this week, after going through all of my usual search terms, I entered just the name " Mississippi" in the search bar, and narrowed the field to "Coins and Paper Money." Up popped a token from a little town named Carnes, which did not have the word "token" anywhere in the title. Had I not tried something different, I would not have found this one, either. This one was an R8, and I did not have an example, so I put in my bid, and ended up winning it. As an added bonus, it is an ex-Terry Trantow piece. (Trantow wrote the book on lumber company tokens.)

And, it happened again yesterday. I searched Coins and Paper Money again, this time using the term "Miss." I found a set of four tokens from Bay St. Louis, on the gulf coast. Unfortunately, I got outbid at the last minute on these

The seller's images of the Gulfport token are large, so I won't post them, but here is the second one:

 

 

 

Edited January 16, 2020 by Just Bob

[tejas1836]

I'm going to give your advise a try. I'm not very good at the internet search. For the most part, I visit a few dealer sites and a few auction sites. Congratulations on finding the rare token you bought for 5 bucks. 

[Crawtomatic]

Shhh....you're giving away all the good tips @Just Bob!  But seriously, if we're sharing then I'll concur your tip is spot on.  I like to go through the categories and continue applying filters to narrow down the search but if I have more time then random keyword searches across all categories works very well.  I find that there's a lot of people that have acquired coins, tokens, numista at some point and it's not their primary selling item so when they list it they'll put it in an odd category.  Sometimes it's that they intend to put it in the right category but chose the "Sell Similar" option on a wrong item or used the wrong listing template.

Once you find one of those sellers though it's a good idea to add them to your Saved sellers and check in on their listings periodically.  

[coinsandmedals]

I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who tries random searches. I’ve found some of my best coins with this practice. Congratulations on your two recent purchases. I can only imagine the history your collection portrays. 

[Crawtomatic]

Also, not sure if this is widely known for buyers, but even if the listing doesn't have the "Best Offer" option listed the seller can send you an offer.  But you have to add the item to your watchlist first.  I usually go through my listings once a day to send offers on those eligible. 

[bsshog40]

When I'm hunting on the bay, I try all sorts of descriptions. You never know what comes up. 

[Just Bob]

It happened again.

The auction for this token just ended, and I won it, despite two snipe bids, both of which were too low . The words "Mississippi" and "token" were nowhere in the listing title. I found it by searching for "Miss" under Exonumia.

Although this piece is listed in Chatham's book, it is not the normal "good for" or advertising token that I usually buy. It is a 1939 dated piece that commemorates 50 years of The Jackson-State National Bank. It is listed as an R8 (4-5 known) and appears to be in pretty decent shape, judging by the seller's not-too-clear pictures, which are below.