Perry Token Value Guide: What Is the Erie Perry Token Worth?

If you’ve come across a Perry token in Erie, PA, you might be wondering:

👉 Is this a gold coin—and how much is it worth?

This Perry token value guide will break down everything you need to know, including value, metal content, and how rare these Erie collectibles really are.

What Is the Erie Perry Token?

The most common Perry token found in Erie is the:

1963 Perry Sesquicentennial Token

This token was created to celebrate:

• The 150th anniversary of **Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory in the Battle of Lake Erie
• 150 years of peace between the United States and Great Britain
• A major local celebration held in **Erie

At the time, the token could actually be used like money during the event—typically worth 50 cents in trade.

Is the Erie Perry Token Real Gold?

Let’s clear up the biggest misconception:

👉 No—the Erie Perry token is NOT made of gold.

Even though many of these tokens look gold, they are actually made of:

• Brass (most common)
• Sometimes gold-colored alloys

That shiny gold appearance has led many people to believe they’ve found an “Erie gold coin”—but there is zero gold content in these tokens.

Perry Token Value (2026 Guide)

So what is it actually worth today?

Typical Value Range:

• $2 to $10 – Common condition
• $10 to $25 – Excellent condition or uncirculated
• $25+ – Rare cases (proof-like condition, original packaging, or collector demand)

What Affects Value?

Several factors can increase the value:

• Condition (scratches, wear, tarnish)
• Original packaging or documentation
• Collector demand for Erie memorabilia
• Historical interest in the War of 1812

Unlike gold coins, the value is based on collectibility—not metal content.

Why These Tokens Are Still Popular in Erie

Even though they’re not gold, Perry tokens remain popular because they connect directly to:

• Erie’s identity as a historic Great Lakes city
• The legacy of **Oliver Hazard Perry
• Local pride and historical events

You can still occasionally find them:

• At local coin shops
• Estate sales
• Flea markets and antique stores around Erie

How to Tell If You Have a Real Perry Token

Look for these features:

• The words “Erie, Pennsylvania”
• References to the 1963 celebration
• A gold-like (but lightweight) appearance
• No official U.S. denomination

If your coin checks these boxes, it’s almost certainly a brass commemorative token—not gold.

Could There Be a Real Gold Perry Coin?

As of now:

• There is no widely recognized .999 gold coin issued for Perry in Erie
• Any true gold version would likely be a modern private mint collectible

So if someone claims they have a “gold Perry coin from Erie,” be cautious—it’s likely:

• A gold-colored token
• Or a replica with no intrinsic gold value

Final Thoughts: Erie Perry Token Value

Here’s the quick summary:

• ✅ Commonly found in Erie, PA
• ❌ Not real gold (despite appearance)
• 💰 Value typically ranges from $2 to $25
• 🏛️ Worth more for history than metal

Buy & Sell Perry Tokens in Erie

Looking to buy or sell a Perry token locally?

Erie Marketplace is the best place to connect with collectors in your area. You might even find rare Erie memorabilia that others overlook. It is a new website so check back often.

Since you are interested in tokens, a great thing to do is buy token lots on eBay and then resell them piece by piece and make a decent profit. Surprisingly, there are a lot of old token collectors.

I am an eBay Ambassador and I curated a list of token lots that you might be interested in. I think there is some potential to flip them for a profit. TOKEN LOTS

As an eBay Ambassador, I make a commission from some links on this website. You do not pay any additional amount, and the commissions help me to maintain this website.