Mackinac Bridge is auctioning off 96 discontinued bridge tokens

The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) is auctioning off bridge tokens that have been out of use since 2019 after ceasing token redemption at the end of 2022.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), bridge tokens used in toll lanes were discontinued by the MBA on Sept. 10, 2019. Customers then had a three-year window, until Dec. 31, 2022, to bring in tokens for reimbursement of up to $4 per token.

There are 96 used circulated tokens being auctioned off in various designs and conditions. According to the MBA, bidders can’t dictate which tokens they’ll receive.

MBA officials stopped accepting tokens due to low demand and the belief that less than 1% of issued tokens remain in circulation. Customers also had decreased interest in the offered refunds.

More: Mackinac Bridge will no longer accept Canadian cash starting in October

"Only a few customers bring in tokens anymore for reimbursement and there is quite a paperwork process each time they do," said MBA Bridge Director Kim Nowack prior to the 2022 deadline.

Token redemption was available at the MBA office on the north side of the Mackinac Bridge. The maximum compensation available was $4 for the first 24 tokens, and $1.50 for every token after.

"We've given customers three years to sell back their tokens to us and it's time to turn remaining tokens into collectors' items,” Nowack said.

The auction can be found on the GovDeals website and it concludes on Aug. 15.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Bridge Authority auctioning off 96 old bridge tokens