Washington Sales Tax Token Value Guide

The 1935 Washington Sales Tax Token is a fascinating relic of the Great Depression, minted to facilitate the collection of fractional sales taxes on purchases under ten cents. These aluminum pieces represent a unique period in American economic history when state governments issued their own local currency to manage minor transactions.

What Is Washington Sales Tax Token Worth?

The typical price range for Washington Sales Tax Token is $3 - $6 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition and luster of the aluminum, as these pieces are prone to oxidation and surface scratches.
• The presence of any minting errors or unusual strikes that occurred during the 1935 production run.
• Overall legibility of the embossed text, which can wear down significantly through heavy circulation.
• Market demand for Great Depression-era exonumia and specific interest in Washington state history.

How to Identify Washington Sales Tax Token?

• Verify the material is lightweight aluminum, which was the standard for the 1935 Washington issue.
• Look for the specific 'State of Washington' inscription surrounding the central hole or design.
• Check for the distinct 1935 era styling and the denomination indicating its use for small-scale tax collection.
• Ensure the token features the characteristic thin planchet common to Pacific Northwest tax tokens of the 1930s.

History of Washington Sales Tax Token

During the Great Depression, many US states introduced sales tax tokens to collect sales tax on small purchases where fractions of a cent were involved. These tokens were issued by various states and cities in the 1930s and 1940s. Washington State issued its own sales tax tokens, often made of aluminum, for transactions of 10 cents or less, allowing for accurate collection of sales tax even on minor purchases. They became obsolete as sales tax laws evolved and cash registers became more sophisticated.