The E-Sylum:  Volume 11, Number 6, February 10, 2008, Article 23

PISMO BEACH CLAM MONEY SOUGHT

Web site visitor Morton Leiter writes: "During the depression,
my father and some other merchants in Pismo Beach, California
used clam shells as barter money during the bank closure.
The ones my father issued had the Leiter's Pharmacy logo
on them and his signature. I have visited the collection
in the Smithsonian several years ago, and recently saw a
photo of one in a coin magazine.

"Since I and my son still operate Leiter's Pharmacy we
would be very grateful to obtain one or two of these original
clam shell pieces of barter from the original Leiter's
Pharmacy. Do you have any idea how or where we could obtain
these?  Thank you for your courtesy, Morton Leiter; Leiter's
Pharmacy; 1700 Park Ave, Ste 30; San Jose, CA 95126.
(408)309-4570, email: mleiter@pacbell.net. "

[These clam shells are one of the most interesting and
unusual items of private scrip to come out of the Great
Depression.  I've read about them as well, but have never
seen one in person.  I imagine they are pretty rare today,
and don't recall seeing one offered in a numismatic auction.
It would be great to reunite one with the issuing family -
can any of our readers help?  -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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