The Checker Taxi Stand

Jim In GA · Guest

I recently won an unused NYC Apple Medallion (a six inch apple-shaped stamped piece of shiny tin) on eBay, that has the NY Taxi and Limo Commission and seal on it, but no serial # or date. The seller said it was NOS stock. I sure fought hard and paid enough for it! I've seen several pictures where the medallion was bolted to the hood on the passenger side. There is a red one on the hood of my Franklin Mint NYC taxi model. What years were they used? (I have a 1970) Were they mounted other places? What color were they? Does anyone have a closeup picture of one showing the serial number, typestyle, and format of the license? Was there a small brass medallion that fit into the mounting hole? How much did medallions go for during this era? I'm hearing that current NYC medallion licenses are bidding out at $250,000 and better. How are cabbies making money now? You smart Checker restorers ought to know this one!

delta7588@yahoo.com

Jim In GA · Guest

Jim again: I said there is a red medallion decal on my Franklin Mint Checker; it is actually on my SunStar model. I will probably never bolt the medallion to the hood of my car - it will either be in my collectible display, or somewhere inside the car, but the history of it fascinates me. Email me at delta7588@yahoo.com if you like.

Geoff Pollock · Guest

The medallions are always bolted to the hood. It is a free market system so whoever wants to overpay for one is free to do so. I suspect that the man in the news recently that paid so much for one will go under. During the Great Depression, NYC medallions went for $500. The highest price paid for one when I was still driving (1980-85) was still under $100K. The center of the medallion was a brass "rivet." Actually, they were closer to being eyelets.

gpollock@indiana.edu

Jim In GA · Guest

I appreciate the info. Do you remember if they were painted, or were they raw metal? Were there any letters or numbers on the brass eyelet? Any other info. you can provide would be greatly appreciated. My email is delta7588@yahoo.com. I would also love to hear your driving stories.

delta7588@yahoo.com