General Antiques and Collectibles Spring Auction
Lot 138:
Description
C-17787
c. 1930s/1940s; Bloomington & Normal Railway & Light Co. – Illinois Round white-metal transit token issued by the Bloomington & Normal Railway & Light Company. Obverse reads "BLOOMINGTON & NORMAL RY & LT CO" encircling a large cutout "B." Reverse states "GOOD FOR ONE FARE." The cutout design with bold central letter is typical of fare tokens produced for small- and mid-sized U.S. cities in the early-to-mid 1900s. The Bloomington & Normal Railway & Light Company operated electric streetcars and buses serving the twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, Illinois, during the early 20th century. Transit tokens were widely adopted as a practical and tamper-resistant alternative to cash fares, while also serving as durable advertising for local transit companies.
Light wear and patination consistent with age and circulation. Lettering remains crisp and legible on both sides.
Approx. 0.75" dia.
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