Trade Tokens — Hot collectibles
Trade tokens have been issued in every state in the Union. They were used as alternative form of currency, and most importantly a form of advertising that generated recurring customers. Tokens were issued by the government (Trade Dollars for example, or currency for various Western military outposts and forts). They were often used due to the shortage of actual currency and coinage in developing states, etc.
Business began using them as a form of advertisement that would encourage patrons to come back. Often times they were returned as change (.12 1/2 cent trade token back or .10 cent cash back was something generally offered).
There are many examples sprouting on various eBay auctions by collectors selling their items to help fill a hole in their collection. Since trade tokens were in every state (and broken down by cities), the collectibility is incredibly high, and some hard found tokens can fetch some high dollars.
There are various articles and books written trying to document these tokens, since mintage records were never kept, and new examples of old tokens appear, often expanding our knowledge.
If you’re looking for alternative exonumia to collect, trade tokens could be a incredibly fun hobby to pick up.
To view examples of trade tokens, visit the eBay link below:
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