1933 2.5 Cent Token - TC-45367 Brass 19mm The Western Co. Chicago IL

Coin Details

Description

This 1933 brass token at 19mm diameter, cataloged as TC-45367, was issued by The Western Company of Chicago, Illinois, with a face value of 2-1/2 cents. Depression-era tokens with unusual denominations reflected the economic creativity forced by the currency shortages and banking crises of the early 1930s. The 2-1/2 cent denomination echoes the fractional currency of earlier American monetary experiments while serving a practical commercial purpose during the Depression. Chicago businesses were especially creative with token and scrip issues during this period, as bank closures and cash hoarding created severe shortages of circulating currency. The Western Company's token documents the economic desperation that prompted businesses to create their own monetary instruments to facilitate commerce when conventional currency was unavailable.

Rarity Notes

Brass 19mm Depression-era token. TC-45367. Unusual 2-1/2 cent denomination. Chicago Depression-era tokens are collected as a distinct category.

Cross References

PCGS #918753; TC-45367; 1933 The Western Co., Chicago IL, 2.5 Cent Token