Obverse Design "HOWARD-ALBROOK" curves along the top. "NCO" and "OPEN MESS" appear in two lines across the middle. "CANAL ZONE" is below that, curving along the bottom. Circle of small beads close to the edge. Smooth plain raised edge.
Reverse Design A large "25" with "IN TRADE" in an oval block across the middle of the number. Small C to the right of the upper part of the "25". Circle of small beads close to the edge. Smooth plain raised edge.
Metal Aluminum, anodized black. Weight 2.00 grams. Size and Shape Round, 28.5 mm in diameter.
Dates Issued Unknown; probably in the late 1960's. A subsequent type was issued in 1970.
Issuer Albrook AFB and Howard AFB.
Mintage Unknown.
Rarity Common. Manufacturer Tentatively attributed to Meyer and Wenthe Company, who made very similar pieces. Other Catalog Numbers Asociación Numismático's F-181 (photo), Cunningham's CZ260a, Curto's A573-25 (photo), Henkle's CZ-81 (photo) and Plumer page #5.
Varieties Another very similar variety was made anodized green, and a smaller (24 mm) variety was made, also in green, without the dash between "HOWARD" and "ALBROOK".
Function Mess token.
Population Count Twelve specimens in collector hands are known to me. Recent sales include:
  1. Auction sale on ebay on February 26, 2007 for $36.00 plus $2.50 shipping.
  2. Auction sale on ebay on February 12, 2007 for $22.37 plus $1.50 shipping.
  3. Auction sale on ebay on December 21, 2003 for $15.49.
  4. Auction sale on ebay on June 9, 2001 for $28.87 plus $1 shipping.
  5. Purchase in November, 2000 for $40.