The legend "PALO SECO" (meaning "dry stick") curves along the top. The
legend "CANAL ZONE" curves along the bottom. The token has a square
hole in the center.
The token has denticles along the rim and a smooth plain raised edge.
Reverse Design
The legend "REDEEMABLE FOR" curves along the top. The legend
"ONE DOLLAR"in smaller letters curves under the top line and above the
square center hole. Under the hole is the number
"100".
The legend "IN MERCHANDISE" curves along the bottom.
The token has denticles along the rim and a smooth plain raised edge.
Metal
Aluminum.
Weight
4.3 grams.
Size and Shape
Round, 38.1 mm in diameter with a round center hole.
Dates Issued
1919.
Issurer
Palo Seco Leper Colony.
Mintage
1000. Of these, 867 were destroyed on November 28, 1955.
Rarity
Very Rare.
Manufacturer
Unknown.
Other Catalog Numbers
Asociación Numismático's F-224,
Henkle's Canal Zone #92, KM #TN6 (Krause Mishler),
MGM #705 (The Numismatic Aspects of Leprosy),
Plumer page #7 and Schimmel #57.
Varieties
Only one variety known.
Function
Medium of exchange for the inhabitants of the Palo Seco leper colony. They
were not allowed to use regular money in circulation for fear that other people
handling the money would catch leprosy.
Population Count
Ten specimens of this token in collector hands are known to me.
Recent sales include:
Auction sale on ebay on September 3, 2006 for $1877.00 plus $13.00 shipping.
Auction sale on ebay on April 9, 2006 for $2500.00 plus $5.00 shipping.
Auction sale on ebay on July 25, 2004 for $444.99.
