What is a Silver Strike

What is a Silver Strike?

The definition is Limited Edition silver token won from slot machines and is in a protective plastic holder. Some call them "Silver Premium Tokens", but most just call them "Silver Strikes". These tokens are issued in many casinos throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Cruise Ships. The first of these tokens were won from slot machines in the Reno/Tahoe area of Nevada in 1992. The tokens have been issued with redeemable values of $2, $3, $5, $7, $10, $12, $20, $28, $40, $200 and range in size from 1-1/2 inches to 3-1/2 inches in diameter depending on the value. The $200 is the only Silver Strike to be paid by the attendant, due to its size and weight. The $12 tokens are from cruise ships. The current Silver Strikes being issued today are almost all $10 denominations, with the exception of a couple of $40 strikes. All of the $2, $3, $5, $7, $20 & $28 Silver Strike machines have been removed from play for some time. The $10. pieces are of two-piece construction. The outer ring brass (some may be 24kt gold plated), the core consisting over 1/2 ounce+ of fine silver ranging in fineness of .956 to .999, learned in private assays. The $40. pieces are solid silver with no separate outer ring. The same is true for $7. pieces.

I have found collecting Silver Strikes a great way of expanding my hobby. I got my start on eBay and have added over 250 different ones to my collection over the years. In some circles Silver Strikes are considered bi-metal instead of encased. Either way they are great fun to collect. As for me, well I'm gonna call them 'encased silver medallions.' Cecil...........