Dollar Token

[tchaire]

Hello--

Found this token yesterday. (Late 1800's / Early 1900's site I believe.) It's the same on both sides and about the size of a dollar coin. Any info is appreciated.

T.

 

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[idahotokens]

Hi, T.--

This sort of generic token was probably used by a general merchandise store. Such stores had the option of buying tokens custom-made with the name of their business and (hopefully for us collectors) the town and state where they were. Or, they could go the cheap route and buy generic tokens for a smaller initial investment. The downside for the business was that customers who happened to have the same sort of generic token obtained elsewhere could use them at the business. Plus any advertising value of having the business name on the token was lost.

This sort of token was used all over the country, generally within a decade or so of 1920, so it is really impossible to date or attribute it.

John in ID

 

[tchaire]

Thanks for the info. John.

T.