Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Alma Home Owned Merchants' Trade Dollar Scrip
Artifact IDMO 2026.3.5
Object Type
Scrip
Maker
Goes Lithographing Company
(American, founded 1879)
Date1933
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 3 1/4 in x W 7 3/4 in (8.3 cm x 19.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Depression era “ALMA HOME OWNED MERCHANTS’ TRADE DOLLAR” scrip, no. 3399, issued in Michigan. The green, white, and black scrip features an engraved portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt and text that states, “This Trade Dollar is issued only with $5.00 Actual Cash Purchase or Payment on Account / GOOD FOR $1.00 IN TRADE OR ON ACCOUNT.” This is followed by four points of information regarding the scrip and signature lines for the original issuer and the Alma Home Owned Merchants. The maker’s information is printed in the lower left corner: “© GOES 661.” Punched into the surface of the scrip is a series of small holes that, when help up to the light, reads "PAID / 12•11•33 / 74•322."
Stamped in orange ink on the decorative reverse side of the scrip is a series of 52 printed dates (divided into four columns), ranging from April 10, 1933 to October 5, 1933, with instructions at the top to: “Place a two cent trade stamp over each of the dates below. Trade dollar must be stamped up to date in order to be valid. Stamps available in member stores.”
Additional DetailsStamped in orange ink on the decorative reverse side of the scrip is a series of 52 printed dates (divided into four columns), ranging from April 10, 1933 to October 5, 1933, with instructions at the top to: “Place a two cent trade stamp over each of the dates below. Trade dollar must be stamped up to date in order to be valid. Stamps available in member stores.”
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Judith A. Marchese in 2025.
Credit LineGift of Judith A. Marchese
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesStamp Collecting Materials (National Archives Identifier 749938)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view