Scrip – Coal Miners Money
In the early days of coal mining, the miner became indebted to the company for everything from food and housing to the tools necessary to perform his job. He could draw scrip as an advance against his wages.
The Company built houses which were rented to their employees and general merchandise stores which sold everything the miner needed. As many of the coal camps were inaccessible except for the railroads, miners and their families had no choice but to use the Company Store and many times the miner had nothing left after paying rent and buying groceries and supplies.
Paper scrip was first used by the Coal Companies. Meta scrip was issued after a determination was made that the paper scrip was not durable. Many companies had an identification punch in the scrip to help the store clerk identify it as their own. Each Company had their own scrip and accepted no other.
Cola Company scrip was also accepted at local schools for lunches, theatres, churches and saloons. Other local merchants would accept the scrip also, but taking a 20% discount.
The best working areas in the mines were often given to the miner drawing the most scrip against his wages. Refusing to draw scrip as pay for working in the mines, often meant early discharge.
All that remains of most of these coal camps are these token and memories of those who survived it.
*The above text is from a brochure received with a scrip purchased.
Note: The practice of issuing scrip was stopped in the 1950s.
*Logan, WV History and Nostalgia is a non-profit website and is not supported by paid ads or donations.
Yes I had a few people in my family and I remember hearing the word script a few times never new what they were talking about till know I found this coin in junk car an put it in with my copper to take to scrap yard and a girl friend put it on a string that came from dog food bag an wore it for a few years an had it since
I have been collecting Logan Co. scrip for 3years now you can find it on ebay under WVA Scrip. I plan to give my collection to the museum at Chief Logan Park. Man HS grad from 1966.
Living at Latrobe and going to grade school at Crites and Lundale in the early 50’s I knew what scrip was. During that time my father worked as a supervisor (mine foreman). Did supervisory employees (salaried employees) also get paid in scrip? For some reason I have always thought they didn’t. Any insights?
Sorry I just saw your text I have not been to this sight in awhile. My Dad worked for Amherst CC up Accoville Hallow(holler) he was a foreman as well and got paid by check. I remember seeing it once and thinking 720.00 for a month that’s a fortune. He could go to the company store and draw against his salary and they gave him scrip. Johnsons store at Mallory would give 75 cents in cash for a dollar scrip. everyone made money off the miners.
My great grandfather Willie Ellis got these I still have them I love looking back at these pic thank you all for sharing them thank you Melody Smith Saylor