Poland, Stepania Jewish Community, token, denomination 1, 1881–1900.
Obverse: СТЕПАНЬСКА ЕВР. ОБЩІНА (Stepańska Jewish Community), at the bottom ЗІРКА (Star), Star of David.
Reverse: the numeral "1".
Copper, 2.34 g, 22.0 mm.
Condition II, patina
A token struck on a Russian kopeck from 1881, with a deliberately obliterated design. It was issued by the Stepania Jewish Religious Community, Rówieński County (1836–1900). Metal tokens or tokens of this type were used as substitute currency or internal accounting tokens within local Jewish communities (kahals) in the second half of the 19th century. They could have been used to pay internal taxes (e.g., the so-called kosher tax—korobka tax—on ritual slaughter) or for settlements within local charitable or craft associations. The word “Zirka” (Star) at the bottom may indicate the name of a specific brotherhood or organization operating within the community.
Probably making its debut on the market.
