Memorabilia collectors can now put New York City’s junk in their trunks. That’s because MetroCard machines — those fixtures of the New York City subway system — are now being auctioned off to the highest bidders through August 19. The auction marks the first time individuals will be able to own one of the 1,000-pound steel dispensers. The dispenses that sold prepaid fare cards to commuters for nearly three decades have been hawked online for $3,500. First installed in 1999, the relics were rendered obsolete in 2025 when the MTA retired them and introduced OMNY, the contactless fare payment system that allows riders to use credit or debit cards and smartphones to pay their fare. With minimum offers set at $1,500 per unit, Big Apple buffs are invited to propose the best and final prices they’re willing to pay, with each machine being sold “as-is” and in non-operational condition. Winners must be prepared to pay in full on the day they’re notified and confirm an arrangement for pickup within 10 days of purchase.
