1 Cent - Pearson's Market Washington D.C.

Pearson's Market was one of numerous Washington D.C. retailers that issued small-denomination scrip during the coin shortages of the early 1970s, when the U.S. Mint struggled to keep cents and nickels in circulation. These privately issued pieces were technically illegal under federal law but were widely tolerated — the Treasury had more pressing concerns than prosecuting grocery stores making change in paper.

The 127 × 76 mm format was a practical choice, large enough to handle without losing it in a coat pocket, and the one-cent denomination reflects just how acute the small-coin problem had become.