Pistol Pete's Token info
Pistol Pete's Pizza was a pizza restaurant chain founded in 1958 by Pete Zahradnick in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At its peak in the 1970s, the chain had over 100 locations. However, it began to decline in the 1980's and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1993. The last remaining Pistol Pete's Pizza closed its doors in 2021.
In 1995, Peter Piper Pizza, another pizza and entertainment company, acquired its hometown competitor, Pistol Pete's Pizza. Peter Piper Pizza was founded in Arizona in 1973 and has since expanded to locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. It currently operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEC Entertainment LLC, making it the sister restaurant chain to Chuck E. Cheese. The company has undergone several ownership changes over the years, including being acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2014 and later sold to Monarch Alternative Capital in 20202. All Pistol Pete's locations were rebranded to Peter Piper's likeness in the year 2003.
Overview
The Pistol Pete's Pizza tokens are not nearly as varied as the Chuck E. Cheese tokens, but they do exist in four distinct types. The four different types are distinctive of the logo's that were used over the years.
Obverse Design
Four obverse designs were used over the years. Type 1 token designs featured a bear called Lil Pete and Pistol Pete's Pizza in one line. Type 2 token designs featured a bear called Lil Pete and Pistol Pete's Pizza in two lines. Type 3 token designs featured a cowboy and Pistol Petes in one line. Type 4 token designs featured a cowboy and Pistol Pete's in two lines.
Reverse Design
There were two reverse designs used. The first was No Cash Value and the second featured 2 grooves.
Metal Composition
Different compositions were used including brass and nickel.
Token Diameters
Token manufactures use inches to measure a token's size (diameter). To allow collectors to identify token sizes using a ruler (instead of digital calipers), the approximate size in millimeters is given below. PP tokens exist in .900-22 mm and .984-25 mm, while most sizes are consistent to the .984 diameter tokens.
Die Alignment
Die alignment refers to the relative orientation of the obverse die to the reverse die. Most tokens in this catalog were intentionally struck in medal orientation, meaning both the obverse and reverse designs are "right side up" at the same time. Some tokens, however, seem to have intentionally been struck in coin orientation, meaning that when the obverse design is "right side up" the reverse design is "upside down." PP tokens were struck in coin orientation and medal orientation.
Oddballs
Currently, more information is needed. This will be updated in the future as more information is gathered.
Token Rarities
Throughout this catalog, five different levels of rarity are used. Because neither mintage numbers nor survival numbers are available, determining the rarity of a token can only be approximated. This catalog uses information from many people and eBay auction records to determine these approximate levels of rarity. Rarity levels can change as time passes.
R1- COMMON- All tokens are assumed to be common unless otherwise specified. Common tokens are easily obtained through either bulk token purchases from token dealers or eBay auctions. These tokens can be found for a very minimal cost.
R2- SCARCE- Scarce tokens take a little work to find. They do show up on eBay and bulk token purchases with some regularity, but not enough to be considered common. With diligence, all scarce tokens can be found at moderately reasonable prices.
R3- RARE- Rare tokens can be difficult to locate. Of course, they can show up in a bulk token purchase, but the likelihood that will happen is very low. These tokens come up for sale so sparingly that when two collectors are trying to buy the token it can fetch a moderately high price. The casual collector will probably never have a rare token in their collection.
R4-EXTREMELY RARE- These tokens are very difficult to find. These have been found in bulk token purchases in the past, but that occurring now is nearly impossible. Tokens that are unique, or among only a few to exist are in this category. You will most likely be buying an extremely rare token from another collector, and the price will be high. Many collectors are perfectly content with never owning a token in this category, while others will obsessively search for one, paying almost any price to obtain it.
R5- Unique, or nearly Unique- These tokens are almost impossible to find.
Pistol Pete's Pizza Rarities
Currently, more information is needed. This will be updated in the future as more information is gathered.