Lot #53: Vintage American Sales Tax Tokens from the Great Depression

Vintage American Sales Tax Tokens from the Great Depression • During the 1930's, several U.S. states instituted a small percentage-based retail sales tax. Because many everyday purchases cost only a few cents, a standard 1% or 2% tax amounted to a fraction of a penny. Since the smallest official U.S. coin was the one-cent piece, states issued fractional-cent tokens (measured in "mills," where 1 mill equals 1/10 of a cent) so merchants could give precise change for the tax. 1) (Colorado Token): A red-coloured fibre or cardboard token. It reads "Colorado Retail Sales Tax Token." These were often issued in 2-mill denominations to save on metal resources. (1935 - 1940) 2) (Kansas Token): A small zinc coin reading "Kansas 2 Sales Tax Token." It has a face value of 2 mills (1/5 of a cent) and was actively minted between 1937 and 1939. 3) (Missouri Token): Enclosed inside a cardboard collector card holder, this is a Missouri Sales Tax Receipt Token. These metal or plastic tokens usually carried a value of 1 mill or 5 mills depending on the specific design variety. This is the 1937-1942 (Metal) edition. All in good to excellent condition, sizes not included. View images. Dimensions: sizes not included Pickup category timeslot {A}