FAAC - also used in the UK

Just been handed one of these tokens to use at a barrier in Headcorn, Kent, UK…

Identical to this…

N#149166

Clearly, an international token.🤪

Typically a phone machine token. From memory, this system emerged in either France or Germany in the 1930's and spread across the world. It was convenient in places with unstable currencies, like Italy or Palestine/Israel where prices would noticeable inflate, so it was easier to just change the price of the token.

Here in Australia, our pound and the the dollar was always relatively stable, so your phone machines accepted legal tender coins. Local calls are now free actually (forgot my phone on a date the other day).

These things are collectable. If you zoom in on a particular theme, such as the Asimon tokens from Israel for example, they have dates varieties, etc. Just like coins.

No.  This was for a barrier to an airfield.  A small box on a post with a grooved slot for the token.  The barrier then opened automatically.

However, the system is almost defunct, in that it has been superseded by a digital coded option for the same barrier.  Some of the smaller businesses prefer to stay with the coin operated option though as it's less hassle.  Unusual to find coin operated barriers still in use in the UK these days, so a bit of a ‘blast from the past’.

I see that this thread has already been linked to the page.  Thanks