1946 Hudson’s Bay Company 5c Eastern Arctic Aluminum Token

1946 Hudson’s Bay Company 5c Eastern Arctic Aluminum Token

This Hudson’s Bay Company Eastern Arctic 5-cent token belongs to the uniface aluminum series introduced in 1946. The marked face bears the incuse letters H B C above a large 5, while the reverse is blank. Catalogued as Gingras 285, this is the individual token shown in the two supplied photographs.

Specifications

• Issuer: Hudson’s Bay Company
• Region: Eastern Arctic, Canada
• Issue: 1946 series; the token itself is undated
• Denomination: 5 cents
• Material: Aluminum
• Shape: Round
• Marked face: Incuse H B C / 5
• Reverse: Blank (uniface issue)
• Catalogue reference: Gingras 285
• Grade: Ungraded; no third-party certification supplied
• Packaging: Pictured stapled cardboard coin flip

Historical background

Introduced in the Eastern Arctic in 1946, these tokens were intended in part to familiarize Inuit customers with Canadian decimal currency as travel and outside contact increased during and after the Second World War. The round-token series comprised 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 cents. A separate square token represented one Arctic fox, a trading unit used by the company.

The series was generally discontinued by 1962, although use continued at a few isolated posts. The conventional 1946 date identifies the introduction of the issue, not a date stamped on this token or a verified manufacturing year for this individual example.

Features and collecting appeal

The simple incuse lettering, large value and plain reverse distinguish this practical trading issue from regular Canadian coinage. This five-cent denomination complements collections of Hudson’s Bay Company tokens, Canadian trade tokens and Arctic history.

Condition of this piece

The photographs show grey surfaces with a mottled texture, scattered scratches and small marks on both sides. Darker areas are visible within portions of the incuse lettering and numeral. The blank reverse has numerous fine lines, including more noticeable scratches toward the upper-left area. Minor edge irregularities are visible. No numerical grade or assessment of cleaning or alteration is assigned.

Please examine both photographs closely. Reflections and some marks may be associated with the flip’s plastic window. The aluminum composition and catalogue identification describe the attributed issue; no independent metal testing or measurements of this individual token have been performed.

The Hudson’s Bay Company token shown is the exact item you will receive.