Colorado Retail Sales Tax Token (2 Mill)

United States (State of Colorado) · 1935-c. 1940s

A small round aluminum tax token featuring a central cross-shaped hole and lettering around the perimeter indicating its use for Colorado retail sales tax.

Country: United States (State of Colorado)
Year: 1935-c. 1940s
Denomination: 2 Mill (0.2 Cents)
Metal: Aluminum

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 8, 2026More united states (state of colorado) coins →

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Overview

A small round aluminum tax token featuring a central cross-shaped hole and lettering around the perimeter indicating its use for Colorado retail sales tax.

Historical significance

During the Great Depression, several U.S. states instituted retail sales taxes to generate revenue and offset declining property taxes. Because the tax amounts on small purchases were fractions of a cent (mills), physical tokens were minted to allow citizens to pay and receive exact change for fractional tax amounts.

Obverse (front)

Features the text 'COLORADO RETAIL SALES TAX' arranged around a central cross-shaped hole, flanked by the denomination '2' on both sides.

Reverse (back)

Similar design layout featuring the repeated legends 'COLORADO RETAIL SALES TAX' and denomination markers.

Estimated value

$1 - $5 depending on condition

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition, presence of original mint luster, specific metal composition variations, and absence of corrosion or deep scratches.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated / Mint State Details (moderate surface wear and typical circulation marks, but full details present)

Mintage & rarity

Common; millions were produced during the Depression era for statewide circulation.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

These tokens are common and inexpensive, so counterfeiting is virtually nonexistent. Verify aluminum composition and correct dimensions.

Notable varieties & errors

Variations exist in the size of the lettering, exact shade of the aluminum, and slight die marker differences depending on the manufacturing contractor.

Similar coins

Other Depression-era state sales tax tokens from states like Washington, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges with clean hands or cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry place in an inert 2x2 coin flip or mylar holder. Do not clean or polish, as this damages original surfaces and reduces collector value.