• Young's Pier - Flip Flap Railway Roller Coaster

        Established in the late 19th century, Young's Pier was an Atlantic City entertainment venue that flourished through the dawn of the 20th Century. Built over top a pier on the surf, among its various attractions, it offered thrill rides and other amusements including a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel.

        Russell Rulau, in his book United States Tokens, lists several exonomia pieces that were issued from Young's Pier. All but two were tokens. The other two consisted of hard, rounded-rectangular celluloid cartouches. One of those celluloid cartouches includes an extremely rare 10-cent admission piece to Young's Flip-Flap Railway. The Flip-Flap Railway was one of the earliest roller coasters along the Jersey Shore -- and in the United States in general.

        Listed by Rulau as Atl-25, and issued about 1905, below please find an example that I recently acquired for my cabinet. Quite rare indeed, Rulau lists but only one specimen known to exist in his 2004 edition. I have personally seen photographs of this one example that Rulau writes about.

        The below issue is only the second known to exist. Needless to say, I have been looking for one of these for quite some time, with little hope of actually discovering one. Indeed, when I saw this one available, I had no choice but to avail the owner of it by purchasing it from him.



        I estimate the specimen is About Uncirculated in grade, and measures 88mmx50mm. Additional inspection to verify grade will occur to upon receipt.

        Moreover, a more extensive write-up about Young's Pier and the Jersey Shore's 19th Century amusements will follow sometime soon.

        Thanks,

        Cheetah


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        Notes: 1. Standard Catalog of United States Tokens 1700-1900 Fourth Edition, Russell Rulau, Krause Publications, ©2004, pg.1022