How to buy pieces of the New York subway?
Every month, New York's transit authority sells subway seats, station plaques, and other authentic items. Here are the prices and how to purchase them.
New York City Subway Collectibles
- Visiting New York, you’ll likely bring home t-shirts, a New York Yankees baseball cap, mugs, and other Big Apple souvenirs. You can find a full list of the most popular ones in our survey of New York souvenirs.
- But instead of sticking to mass-produced souvenirs, why not take home something more authentic: actual pieces of the New York City subway? Yes, it’s really possible.
- The MTA, which operates the subway system, sells used and obsolete equipment each month. The agency gets rid of items it no longer needs while making collectors happy.
Sample Prices for Subway Pieces
- Available items change with each sale. You might find subway or bus seats for $500, or a sign from Avenue U station for $300. Prices can be steep.
- Fortunately, cheaper options exist. For just $25, you can buy one of those iconic handles passengers grip while standing in the cars. You can also get a plaque from a pillar at the 59 St station for $59 or an “Exit” sign for $75. Perfect for decorating your home with New York flair. Vintage subway tokens start at $2.
- Interested? Visit the MTA’s collectors website. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Shipping costs $50 for orders under $300.