Ration tokens in bank box

Creator

United States. Office of Price Administration

Date

• 1944

Summary

• These three images show a small cardboard box approximately 6 1/2" x 3" x 3/4", with attached cover which has been taped at both ends, containing 235 red ration tokens arranged in five compartments that are separated by cardboard dividers. The tokens are approximately 1 5/8" in diameter. On the top cover of the box, which was designed to hold 250 tokens, are printed spaces for the names and addresses of persons depositing or exchanging the tokens at a bank. Beneath are directions: "PROPERTY OF THE O.P.A. DO NOT DESTROY THIS BOX. USE IT TO HOLD YOUR TOKENS OR TO EXCHANGE TOKENS AT YOUR BANK. DO NOT MIX COLORS. / This box may be deposited in a Ration Bank Account or exchanged at a bank by a non-depositor for a ration check when it contains 250 tokens of like color." As indicated by an imprint on the bottom, the box was made by the C. W. Zumbial Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ration tokens, which were made of vulcanized fiber, were used for a short time during World War II to make change for ration coupons. There were red tokens and blue tokens. Both types were introduced by the Office of Price Administration on February 27, 1944; the red tokens were discontinued by December 1944. Red tokens, which were produced in a series of 30 two-letter combinations, could be used when purchasing meats, fats, fish, and cheese. Most of the red tokens in this box carry two small letters V and C flanking a large numeral 1 in the center, with the words "OPA RED POINT" around the rim, each word separated by a star. The lettering is incuse, and the numeral 1 is in outline form which gives it a raised appearance. Both sides of a token are the same. A total of two billion red and blue tokens were produced for the OPA during World War II by the Osborne Register Company, a private mint in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Image is copyright 2006 YCI Imaging. These images may be reproduced for educational purposes only.