Riviera Hotel & Casino 1996 Limited Edition Ten Dollar Gaming Token
Coin/Bullion (Gaming Token/Silver Strike) · Global Minting / Casino Tokens Inc. (CT); commissioned by the Riviera Hotel & Casino. These tokens were produced by specialist private mints for Atlantic City and Las Vegas gaming markets.
Pattern: Las Vegas Silver Strike Series, Riviera Hotel 'The Entertainment Center of Las Vegas' design.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Gaming Token/Silver Strike)
Maker
Global Minting / Casino Tokens Inc. (CT); commissioned by the Riviera Hotel & Casino. These tokens were produced by specialist private mints for Atlantic City and Las Vegas gaming markets.
Material
Bimetallic construction: .999 Fine Silver center insert (approx. 0.6 troy oz silver content) with a brass or bronze outer ring (often gold-plated or selectively gilded).
Dimensions
Standard Silver Strike size: approximately 43mm in diameter. Total weight is roughly 37-40 grams, with the silver core weighing approximately 0.6 troy ounces.
Description
A classic piece of Las Vegas memorabilia, this 1996 Silver Strike features the iconic logo of the Riviera Hotel & Casino. Known as 'The Entertainment Center of Las Vegas,' the Riviera was a staple of the Strip for 60 years. This token combines intrinsic precious metal value with the nostalgia of old-school high-stakes gaming.
Key Features
.999 Fine Silver purity stamp; 'CT' mint mark; specific '1996' dating; Riviera Hotel 'R' branding; original protective capsule.
Material & Composition
Bimetallic construction: .999 Fine Silver center insert (approx. 0.6 troy oz silver content) with a brass or bronze outer ring (often gold-plated or selectively gilded).
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish silver center with raised polished lettering; contrasting brass outer ring. Features the Riviera 'R' logo, established year (1996), and marketing slogans. Embossed lettering with a circular legend.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '.999 FINE SILVER' on the obverse; 'CT' mint mark (Casino Tokens Inc.); 'LIMITED EDITION TEN DOLLAR GAMING TOKEN' denomination mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck bimetallic assembly. The silver center is a separate planchet pressed into the outer brass ring, a common method for high-value casino tokens to prevent counterfeiting.
Functional Features
Redeemable at the Riviera Casino for $10 at time of issue (now defunct). Designed for use in specific 'Silver Strike' slot machines. Housed in a protective plastic airtight capsule.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Circular coin form; edges are typically reeded or smooth (standard reeded edge for this series).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with high-pressure dies. Excellent registration between the bimetallic components; crisp lettering indicates a well-maintained die was used during production.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep striking of the .999 mark; correct 'CT' mint mark placement; dimensions consistent with standard Silver Strike issues; authentic Riviera typography.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; minted in Nevada for the Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1990s Las Vegas); specifically the 'Silver Strike' boom period of the mid-90s.
Age Estimate
Dated 1996; 28 years old at time of analysis.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of Las Vegas from gambling-only to a broader entertainment and memorabilia-focused industry. These tokens created a 'collector' secondary market within the casino walls.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The capsule shows surface scuffs, but the token inside appears to have original luster with minimal toning. No visible heavy tarnish or rim dings.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $45.00 USD. Value is driven by the spot price of 0.6oz of silver plus a premium for the Riviera's defunct status and collector demand for Silver Strikes.
Care & Maintenance
Keep inside the airtight plastic capsule to prevent the silver from oxidizing (toning). If removed, handle only by the edges with cotton gloves. Do not polish, as it destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
Franklin Mint casino coins (often sterling, not .999); non-silver clad tokens (base metal only); other Silver Strikes from the Stardust, Flamingo, or Sahara hotels.
Interesting Facts
The Riviera, or 'The Riv,' was the first high-rise on the Las Vegas Strip and was famously associated with the Mob in its early years. It closed in 2015 and was imploded in 2016.