A token of history to be sold today

MBTA officials will not say where. But sometime today, at one of the system's 68 stations, the last T token will be sold.

The unsuspecting buyer will pocket a piece of history.

T officials plan to swoop in, present the rider with a citation, noting "the purchase of the last token ever sold at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority."

Then, workers will start dismantling the last turnstile, as America's oldest subway moves to an automated fare system by year's end.

Tokens have been used off and on for nearly 90 years.

The first metal tokens were issued by the Boston Elevated Railway in 1919.

Prior to that, paper tickets were used.

The modern-day design has been around since 1980, and has shown up on everything from cuff links to earrings.

Tokens will still be honored until they disappear from circulation.

MAC DANIEL