Thought I'd share an odd one featuring my favorite error, improper alloy mix. The incorrect mixtures cause lamination throughout the whole coin, especially exhibited on the reverse. Likely because impurities sunk to the bottom of the hot metal disk during striking. -SC
Sales Tax Tokens Many states initiated a tax on merchandise sold to raise money. Today, all states with a sales tax use a bracket system to charge tax in even cents, and forgo collecting tax on small purchases. In the 1930s when sales taxes were first instituted, these tokens were issued to facilitate taxing even a one-cent purchase. The denomination of a tax token was often as small as one mill or one-tenth cent. Millions of them were made, and thousands were carried out of state by travelers. They are found in metal, plastic, fiber, and cardboard, and are catalogued from Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington states. The standard reference work on these tokens is "U. S. State-Issued Sales Tax Tokens" by Jerry F. Schimmel.
Yes. The woody effect is lamination. When the alloy mix is incorrect, lots of impurities form, leaving laminations throughout the coin. Ive even found one on a 1905 AU Indian Head.
Yes, I have a few from Colorado, one aluminum 1938-1941 0.4mm obverse 0.6mm reverse 90* rotated die, and one 1942 brown/red fiber 90* rotated die. Did I mention this one is the narrow 1 variety.
Love WWII replacement metal coins. Especially foreign. I have some from France, Norway, Netherlands, and, of course, United States.
I do not see any Lamination Error, Retained or Unretained on your coin. I do see stripes on the "Token" side which is created when the metal is "Cold Rolled" to the correct thickness for cuting blanks. I also see white spot which is metal oxidization. The oxidization is caused from exposure to the enviroment. And I can assure you that the blanks were not "hot" during striking. These are interesting coins and part of American History that is not to well known. I will aquire these when the chance permits, but I not search for them. Your coin says Department of Revenue, and Sales Tax. My coin says Tax Commission, and Luxury Tax. I find that quite interesting. Thank you for posting yours.
