Token US World's Fair Neutron Irradiated Dime 1964

The use of atomic energy was both promising and scary back in 1964. World War II ended with horrific explosions in Japan, but now scientists were promising peaceful use of the atom. They were partially right, but the threat of worldwide nuclear war loomed in everyone's thoughts. This was the backdrop of the New York World's Fair held in 1964 and 1965. I was a kid back then, and we used to take the train into Flushing for a big day of amazement at the many fascinating exhibits.

These tokens are selling at unusually high premiums today. Under normal circumstances, plastic tokens are worth about zero, but these can bring $10 or $20 US dollars on eBay as long as they are in good shape. As with all collectibles, condition means everything.

The condition of the coin is important. A dark or stained dime will lower the price of the token substantially. The one in our picture is normal, but corrosion or darkness worse than that shown will make the token almost valueless. In addition, the plastic must be in good shape to reach high values. The token in our picture is worth $10 to $15.

worn: $2 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $5
well preserved: $12
fully uncirculated: $30
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