Obverse Design "NCO CLUB" curves along the top. An bow-shaped ornament appears in the top middle. In the middle is "LIFELINERS" in quotes, and another bow-shaped ornament appears below it. "FORT KOBBE" curves along the bottom. There is a round hole in the middle of the coin which obliterates the letters "LI" and part of the "N" in the middle of the word "LIFELINERS". Circle of beads close to the edge. Smooth plain raised edge.
Reverse Design A large "1" followed by "00" in smaller size. The top of the zeros is about even with the top of the "1". Under the "00" is "IN TRADE" in an oval block going across. Below the "IN TRADE" is a line. The line is about even with the bottom of the "1". The hole obliterates part of the bottom of the first "0". Circle of beads close to the edge. Smooth plain raised edge.
Metal Brass. Weight About 8.77 grams (average of nine used specimens varying in weight from 8.50 to 9.06 grams). Size and Shape Round, 34.9 mm in diameter.
Dates Issued Unknown; similar designs used around 1970.
Issuer Fort Kobbe, on the west bank of the canal near the Pacific entrance and next to Howard AFB.
Mintage Unknown.
Rarity Common. Manufacturer Unknown; design very similar to those used by Meyer and Wenthe Company. Other Catalog Numbers Asociación Numismático's F-149, Cunningham's CZ280e (photo), Curto's F83-100, Henkle's CZ-59, Plumer page #4.
Varieties One variety is in nickel, one in brass with a hole, and a third exists in brass without a hole.
Function Perhaps a post exchange token.
Population Count 45 specimens in collector hands are known to me. Recent sales include:
  1. Auction sale on eBay on April 8, 2007 for $12.26 plus $1.50 shipping.
  2. Auction sale on eBay on March 11, 2007 for $4.99 plus $1.50 shipping.
  3. Auction sale on eBay on February 4, 2007 for $8.00 plus $1.50 shipping.
  4. Auction sale on eBay on January 14, 2007 for $14.00 plus $1.50 shipping.
  5. Auction sale on eBay on November 27, 2006 for $9.95 plus $.80 shipping.
  6. Auction sale on eBay on August 20, 2006 for $4.99 plus $1.50 shipping.
  7. Offered for sale on eBay at the fixed price of $15.00 plus $1.50 shipping in June, 2006. Auction ended early by seller.
  8. Auction sale on eBay on December 25, 2005 for $9.99.
  9. Auction sale on eBay on April 4, 2005 for $10.50.
  10. Auction sale on eBay on April 18, 2004 for $8.50.
  11. Auction sale on eBay on March 28, 2004 for $10.95.
  12. Auction sale on eBay on February 22, 2004 for $4.25.
  13. Auction sale on eBay on January 11, 2004 for $3.99.
  14. Auction sale on eBay on November 30, 2003 for $8.59.
  15. Auction sale on eBay on October 11, 2003 for $4.26.
  16. Auction sale on eBay on September 24, 2003 for $8.28.
  17. Auction sale on eBay on September 8, 2003 for $5.77.
  18. Auction sale on eBay on August 13, 2003 for $6.73.
  19. Auction sale on eBay on August 9, 2003 for $3.99.
  20. Auction sale on eBay on July 20, 2003 for $4.99.
  21. Auction sale on eBay on May 21, 2003 for $4.99 plus $1 shipping.
  22. Auction sale on eBay on April 28, 2003 for $12.38.
  23. Auction sale on eBay on April 5, 2003 for $9.99.
  24. Auction sale on eBay on December 2, 2002 for $11.49.
  25. Auction sale on eBay on September 21, 2002 for $21.50.
  26. Auction sale on eBay on August 18, 2002 for $10.50.
  27. Auction sale on eBay on May 26, 2002 for $10.
  28. Auction sale on eBay on March 12, 2002 for $15.
  29. Auction sale on eBay on December 8, 2001 for $10.
  30. Auction sale on eBay on December 1, 2001 for $10.
  31. Auction sale on eBay on March 24, 2001 for $10.
  32. Auction sale on eBay on February 2, 2001 for $10.