French 'Le Taxiphone' Company Telephone Token (Base Metal/Nickel)
Telephone Token (Exonumia) · None. The item is silver-toned/gray metal, not a gold alloy.
Purity: None (0%). This item contains no gold. It is a base metal alloy, likely nickel, cupro-nickel, or zinc-alloy based on its industrial purpose and gray-silver appearance.
Type
Telephone Token (Exonumia)
Purity
None (0%). This item contains no gold. It is a base metal alloy, likely nickel, cupro-nickel, or zinc-alloy based on its industrial purpose and gray-silver appearance.
Gold Type
None. The item is silver-toned/gray metal, not a gold alloy.
Weight
3.5 to 5.0 grams (Typical range for these industrial tokens)
Description
This is a French telephone token (jeton de téléphone) from the 'Compagnie Le Taxiphone'. Unlike gold bullion, this is a piece of industrial 'exonumia' used as a substitute for legal tender in public payphones during the mid-20th century. While it has a circular shape similar to a coin, its value was strictly utilitarian.
Key Features
Raised serif lettering along the rim and a characteristic central groove or logo common to French 'Taxiphone' jetons.
Color & Finish
Dull silver-gray with a matte, circulated patina. It shows significant oxidation and surface wear typical of base metals.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No purity hallmarks. Circular legend: 'COMPAGNIE LE TAXIPHONE'. Center usually contains a logo or denomination absent in this photo due to lighting.
Dimensions Estimate
19mm to 24mm diameter (Standard size for French telephone tokens)
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
N/A (Cylindrical smooth edge)
Chain & Links
N/A (Reeded or smooth edge typical of struck coinage)
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial stamping. The strike is legible but lacks the high-relief artistry of numismatic gold coins.
Authentication Indicators
Correct company name 'LE TAXIPHONE'; lack of gold hallmarks (such as the eagle head for 18k French gold); appearance consistent with nickel or zinc.
Origin & Maker
France; Issued by the 'Compagnie Le Taxiphone' for use in public payphones.
Era & Period
Modern Era (circa 1920s - 1950s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1950 based on the typeface and company history.
Cultural Significance
Represents the evolution of telecommunications and public infrastructure in mid-century Europe.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Surface shows uniform wear, minor pitting, and significant darkening/patina. No structural damage.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD. This item has no precious metal melt value. Its value is strictly as a low-cost historical collectible.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent further oxidation. No professional servicing required as the item is low value and base metal.
Similar Items
Other French 'Jeton de Telephone' versions (some with a hole in the center), Parisian Metro tokens, or casino jetons.
Interesting Facts
In early 20th century France, these tokens were often used because inflation or coin shortages made it difficult to keep payphones updated with current currency; the tokens provided a fixed 'unit' of time regardless of currency fluctuations.