Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
50 Cent Albion Trade Currency Scrip
Artifact IDMO 2026.3.9
Object Type
Scrip
Maker
Goes Lithographing Company
(American, founded 1879)
Date1933
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 2 1/2 in x W 8 in (6.4 cm x 20.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Depression era 50 cent “ALBION TRADE CURRENCY” scrip, no. 209, issued in Michigan. The red, white, and black scrip features an engraved portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt and text that states: “THE CITY OF ALBION PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER THE SUM OF FIFTY CENTS (50c), WHEN FIFTY-TWO ONE CENT TRADE STAMPS HAVE BEEN AFFIXED ON THE REVERSE SIDE / GOOD FOR 50c IN TRADE OR ON ACCOUNT.” This is followed by three points of information regarding how to use the scrip. Along the bottom of the scrip are the original ink signatures of Albion City Mayor Norman H. Wiener and Albion City Clerk P. P. Nagle. The maker’s information is printed in the lower left corner: “© GOES 650.” A January 28, 1936 “PAID” blue ink stamp is over FDR’s portrait.
Printed on the reverse side of the scrip is a series of 52 dates (divided into four columns), ranging from March 27, 1933 to September 21, 1933. Adhered over some of the dates are 27 “ALBION 1c TRADE STAMP” stickers.
Additional DetailsPrinted on the reverse side of the scrip is a series of 52 dates (divided into four columns), ranging from March 27, 1933 to September 21, 1933. Adhered over some of the dates are 27 “ALBION 1c TRADE STAMP” stickers.
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