Italian Bi-metallic Car Wash Tokens


I have recently received two types of Bi-metallic tokens from Italy through a contact there.

This is of a size a little like that of the Italian 500 Lire coins. Mass 4.66 grams (500L. is 6.77g), diameter is 25.1mm (500L. is 26.0mm), thickness at rim 2.15mm (500L is 1.85mm). Going by just the colours - the inner part of this coin could be of copper-nickel and the outer of Aluminium-Bronze. Edge of the piece is plain. The piece exhibits "coin alignment".

small car wash token

Legends:

First side, "MORANO PO - AL" (above), logo "MIX ITALY" (central) and "0142-85.755" (below - phone number) "MORANO PO" is the location and "AL" is abbreviation for Alessandria the nearby city. "MIX ITALY" must be the name of the company.

Second side, "ALTA PRESSIONE" (above), "SELF SERVICE" (central) and "DEPURAZIONE" (below) "ALTA PRESSIONE" translates as "High Pressure" and "DEPURAZIONE" translates (probably) as "Clean". (Note that in English the little used verb "Depurate" can mean either "to cleanse or purify" or "to be cleansed or purified")

This is of a size quite similar to that of the Italian 1000 Lire coins. Mass 8.67 grams (1000L. is 8.85g), diameter is 27.1mm (1000L is 27.0mm), thickness at rim 2.15mm (1000L. is 2.15mm also). Going by just the colours - the inner part of this coin could be of copper-nickel and the outer of Aluminium-Bronze. Edge of the piece is plain. The piece exhibits "medal alignment".

large car wash token

Legends:

First side, "AUTOEQUIP" (above), logo "AE" (central) and "VESIME - AT" (below) "VESIME" is the location and "AT" is abbreviation for Asti a liitle town near Turin. (Alessandria is in this same part of Italy.) "AUTOEQUIP" must be the name of the company and "AE" an abbreviation for this company name.

Second side, "PINGUINO VERDI" (above), cartoon penguin with water hose (central) and "Tel. 0144-89.91" (below) "PINGUINO" translates as "Penguin" of course and "VERDI" translates as "Green".
 


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