Vintage Oklahoma Tax Token, Cardboard, 1 Mill, Circa 1940s

Description

Vintage Oklahoma Tax Token
Cardboard, 1 Mill, Circa 1940s
Oklahoma, like eleven other states, issued sales tax tokens during the Great Depression and World War II. These tokens were used to pay the sales tax, or they were received by the buyer as change when the tax wasn't an even cent and they didn't have tokens available.
These tokens were issued by the State of Oklahoma starting from 1943 to 1952, and they were demonetized September 30, 1961. The numbers made, issued, redeemed and destroyed are unknown.
These tokens were printed by Label House. They are made of cardboard and are about 22mm in diameter. They have five concentric circles in the center on both sides. The colors of these tokens vary from pale green-blue (most common) to pale gray or faded into white, and pale tan. They may be different on the obverse and reverse; and colors vary in intensity. The printing on each side is black ink. The printing on one or both sides may be off-center.
This token has a wide perimeter band, and its width varies from about 2mm to about 3mm. It is light gray in color on both sides. The black printing is somewhat faded and uneven, and that makes it a little difficult to read. The design on both sides of this token seems to be impressed. That appears to be different than the surface-printed tokens.
On the obverse side, there are large numerals "1" to the left and right of the central circles, and near the perimeter. Above the central circles is "Sales Tax" in an arc by the perimeter. Below the central circles, and near the perimeter is "Token Oklahoma".
On the reverse side, there are large numerals "1" to the left and right of the central circles, and near the perimeter. Above the central circles is "For Old Age" in an arc by the perimeter. Below the central circles, and in an arc by the perimeter, is "Assistance".
The token shows the effects of use and age. The coloring is uneven, but the printing seems to be crisp and not much affected by wear. Please see the photos.