Tokens

coinfinder1975 · Sep 13, 2011

Found these tokens, Mcdonalds Grocery 5 June 1909 ingle system and Alabama State Tax Commission 5 Luxury Tax Token. What are they and about how much are they worth if anything, anyone? Thanks again for all T-net helpers

Roland58 · Sep 13, 2011

No idea on your questions, but, really cool finds! 'grats!!

idahotokens · Sep 13, 2011

You could find some background info in past messages in the tokens & tags forum, but what you have are two different types of trade tokens. The first one represents a type that was used by groceries, general stores, and similar types of businesses. These tokens were mainly used in two ways - when the store bought produce from area farmers, they paid with tokens (or cash at a discount). The farmer would then use the tokens to buy from the store. Or, in the second case, if a customer wanted to buy on credit, they were usually given the amount borrowed in tokens which they could use to buy stuff. The Ingle company was the manufacturer of the token which was used by the J. W. McDonald Grocery store in Augusta, GA. The other token is a tax token - back in the 1930s, sales tax was not figured as it is today where it may cost 2¢ in tax for any purchase between 20 and 35¢. Then the purchase price was multiplied by the tax rate and the result rounded to the closest mill (1/10 cent). These tokens were used to make change in amounts less than 1¢. As far as worth, the McDonald token might bring $5 or more and the tax token might bring 25¢ or less. Just a guess - if you really want to sell, there are online auction services which will let you know how much people are willing to pay for a particular item. By selling it, I mean.
John in ID