Trade Token Use In The United States

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines a token as "a piece of stamped metal used as a substitute for currency." The Dictionary of Numismatic Terms published by the American Numismatic Association says a token is "usually a piece of durable material appropriately marked and unofficially issued for monetary, advertising, services, or other purposes." Trade Tokens were mainly used in the United States from the late 1800s to about 1940. Although some token use occurred after 1940. Tokens are still used today at most amusement arcades and casinos.

Tokens were known by numerous nicknames. Coal miners called them "flickers." In saloons and bars, particularly those in the Midwest, they were known as "chits." "Klacker" was popular in Alabama, while "scrip," "checks," and "due bills" saw widespread use. The most prevalent name in Louisiana seemed to be "brozine." The origin of this term is not known, but it is possibly an altered form of "bronze" which was the composition of many tokens. Another terms popular in Louisiana was "doo-ga-loo" with other names seeing localized use. One such term used in the New Orleans area for 2 issues was "quarti" or "quartee," which may have come from the fact that it represented one-tenth of a quarter. "Good For" or "Trade Token" is a commonly used name today

Many different and diverse sources issued tokens, including Lumber Company's, Sugar and Cotton Plantation commissaries, Bakery, Dairy, Grocery and General Stores, Restaurants, Seafood packing Houses, Saloons, Bars, Billiard, and Pool Hall. Tokens were also used by transportation companies on their buses lines. Plus old Amusement Arcades as well as Modern Arcade, Military Bases, strawberry pickers. Tax tokens were even used to collect taxes and Masons issued Masonic pennies. Tokens were usually made of brass, bronze or aluminum. However cardboard and fiber were also used. Paper coupon books saw some use.

The method of use was limited only by the imagination of the issuer, but most fell into one of the following categories: (1) to extend credit to employees, (2) to provide a discount, (3) to make change in unusual amounts, (4) to ensure purchases at a particular business, (5) to designate an amount of work done, (6) to show proof-of-purchase, (7) to attract new customers, (8) to serve as a medium of exchange after a pre-payment, and (9) to control access to certain areas.

Glyn Farber has published a catalog of all known Hickey Brother Cigar Store Tokens and co-authored two books about Louisiana Trade Tokens. In addition he wrote several articles for The Token and Medal Society (TAMS) and The National Token Collectors Association (NTCA). Glyn has been a devoted collector of Louisiana Trade Tokens, Louisiana collectibles and Lake Charles, LA postcards for almost 40 years.

Web sites include http://www.most-popular-collectibles-at-auction.com and http://www.louisiana-trade-tokens.com

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