A Collector's Guide to OPA Ration Tokens

OPA ration tokens are small, vulcanized fiber discs issued by the United States Office of Price Administration (OPA) during World War II. These tokens were an integral part of the rationing system designed to manage the distribution of scarce goods and control inflation.

History and Purpose

Established in 1941, the OPA oversaw the rationing of essential items such as food (meat, fats, processed foods, sugar, coffee, canned goods), gasoline, tires, and clothing. To facilitate transactions involving rationed goods, the OPA introduced a system using ration books with stamps and these smaller tokens.

• Ration Stamps: These stamps, found in booklets issued to each household, represented a certain point value and were required, along with money, to purchase rationed items.

• Ration Tokens: Introduced in 1944, these tokens served as "change" for the ration stamps. Each token was worth one point. When a purchase was made with stamps, retailers would give back these tokens if the item's point value was less than the stamp's value. Ten tokens equaled one ration stamp.

Types of OPA Ration Tokens

There were two main types of OPA ration tokens, distinguished by color:

• Red Tokens: These tokens were used as change for red ration stamps, which were primarily required for the purchase of meats and fats.

• Blue Tokens: These tokens were used as change for blue ration stamps, which were needed for processed foods like canned fruits, vegetables, and soups.

Both red and blue tokens are approximately 16mm in diameter and made of vulcanized fiber. Each token features the letters "OPA" and the words "RED POINT 1" or "BLUE POINT 1," along with two additional letters.

Significance of the Two Letters

The exact purpose of the two letters flanking the "1" on each token remains uncertain. Some theories suggest they were:

• Anti-counterfeiting measures: The varying letter combinations might have made it more difficult to produce convincing fakes.

• Demographic indicators: It's been speculated that the letters might have corresponded to specific regions or populations, though this has not been substantiated.

• Random identifiers: The letters may have simply been a way to create a large number of unique tokens without a specific meaning.

There are 30 known letter combinations for red tokens and 24 for blue tokens.

Collecting OPA Ration Tokens

OPA ration tokens are popular among collectors due to their historical significance and relative affordability. Here are some aspects that collectors consider:

• Color: Blue tokens are generally scarcer than red tokens.

• Letter Combinations: Certain letter combinations are rarer than others and thus more valuable. The red "MV" token is considered the rarest. Other scarce combinations include red "MM," "YC," and "XC," as well as blue "WW," "WC," "WH," "WU," and "HX."

• Condition: Well-preserved tokens without significant damage or fading are more desirable.

• Errors: Tokens with minting errors, such as being off-center or double-struck, can also command higher prices.

• Sets: Complete sets of all known letter combinations for either red or blue tokens are more valuable than individual tokens.

OPA ration tokens offer a tangible connection to a significant period in American history. They serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and resourcefulness of the home front during World War II. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just beginning, these small tokens with their intriguing history can be a fascinating area to explore.

Here is a checklist. Please email if there is anything missing and I will update it!