It is a bit goofy for me to lament the passing of the subway token since I always preferred to use the metrocard, but being a subway nerd and NY-history lover, I am sad to see them go. I never lived in NY when there wasn't a metrocard, but from what I understand, in the token-only days, you could use them like money here...leave them as tips and so on.
It is an odd time for subway nerds: the old "redbird" train cars are all but banished from any line but the 7...they are preparing to tear down much of the huge elevated structure at East New York...they are abandoning half of the cavernous and funky old Chambers & Canal stops on the JMZ...and the awesome old Stillwell Terminal (with the funky little greasy spoon and candy store) is being replaced by a cold and clinical concrete blob. Sniff.