1935 North Pole Lucky Money Taylor's For Toys Token
Country of Origin: United States, Kansas City (Private Issue)
Year of Issue: 1935
Denomination: Exonumia / No official face value
Composition: Copper or Bronze
Brief Description
A Christmas-themed promotional store token featuring a reindeer on the obverse and promotional text for a Kansas City toy store on the reverse.
Historical Significance
This is a Depression-era promotional token issued by John Taylor Dry Goods Co. (specifically the 'Taylor's For Toys' department) in Kansas City. These were likely given to children during the holiday season to promote the store's toy department.
Estimated Value
$15-$40 depending on condition and collector interest.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges; do not clean or polish as this removes original patina and reduces value. Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule.
Mint Mark
None (Privately struck)
Mintage & Rarity
Unknown mintage; scarce but regularly found in exonumia markets.
Weight & Diameter
Typically approx. 32mm (similar to a US Half Dollar)
Edge
Plain or lightly reeded
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (XF). Shows original copper luster but has some spots of green oxidation (verdigris) and surface scuffs.
Obverse (Front)
Features the head of a reindeer in the center. Legend above: 'NORTH POLE LUCKY MONEY'. Inscribed on a banner below: 'ONE HAPPY YEAR'. Date '1935' at the bottom.
Reverse (Back)
Large numeral '1' in the center with rays. Legend above: 'TAYLOR'S FOR TOYS'. Legend below: 'HAPPY YEAR FOR GIRLS AND BOYS' and 'KANSAS CITY'. Small copyright notice at the very bottom.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (presence of verdigris lowers value), collector interest in Kansas City history, and the appeal of holiday-themed tokens.
Similar Coins
Often confused with other early 20th-century department store Christmas tokens like those from Gimbel's or Macy's.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Counterfeits are rare for this specific token; check for crisp lettering and the characteristic 1930s die-striking style.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Minor die rotations or variations in the copper wash/purity.
Created At: 2026-06-25T04:17:33.664326