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The MetroCard is experiencing a revival of sorts, capturing the hearts of collectors and nostalgic enthusiasts.
Once a staple of New York City’s transit system, this iconic fare card is now finding new life as a cherished memento. Just days after its official retirement, these cards are being sold on online auction platforms for impressive sums, with some reaching into the thousands.
One enthusiastic seller on eBay declared, “NOW THEY ARE COLLECTORS ITEMS DUE TO NOT MAKING THEM EVER AGAIN. Rip To The Metro Card that was so iconic for decades.”
These yellow-and-blue cards, which began disappearing from New York’s streets weeks before their final farewell, are being listed at a variety of price points. Notably, a heavily used card from 2025 has caught attention with an astounding price tag of $3,500.
Such prices are a striking increase from their original cost, considering the MetroCard was once available for just $1 during its heyday in the city.
Seller Richard Usowicz sought to capitalize on the nostalgia factor when he listed his MetroCard for $155.
“I heard all the news and hubbub about the MetroCard going out of print and anything that is no longer available, it’s a supply and demand thing,” said Usowicz, owner of SDR Solutions and who primarily sells rare books.
The Bayonne resident had a few MetroCards lying around and threw them up on his site for a price he admits is eye-popping — with hopes that the interest will help generate traffic towards his store.
“Honestly, it has worked,” Usowicz said.
“A lot of times in the collectible market, most people are really kind of searching for nostalgia. A large majority of my customers are millennial Gen Z, and we all want to kind of touch upon a time where things were simpler.”
There are dozens of other listings within the same $100 price range popping up — and nostalgic transit riders are eagerly snapping them.
More than 360 people snagged 10-pack, never-before-used MetroCards for the price of $69.
Others were paying $25 for four 2-trip MetroCards being advertised as “NYC Transit Collectibles.”
Many of the MetroCard listings were updated on New Year’s Day to reflect just how rare the cards now officially are, with some sellers jacking up prices for a single pass to $155.
“It features the iconic NYC subway design and is a perfect reminder of the city’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a fan of subways or just looking for a unique collectible, this MetroCard is sure to impress. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of NYC transportation history,” one seller wrote.
The MetroCard was officially retired on Dec. 31 after three decades as the Big Apple’s main fare payment method.
The subway token-killer, though originally hated by New Yorkers, grew to be an icon of the five boroughs, and its yellow design synonymous with the city.
Although New Yorkers publicly mourned the MetroCard for months, they apparently weren’t nostalgic enough to use it in its final days — as of December, 94% of trips were made with OMNY, according to the MTA.