.... "They" claim it was 'authorized by the US Treasury' ... I think that what is 'really meant' is that is complies with all laws regarding legal tender and not implying it IS a US Dollar. There are many such "LOCAL CURRENCIES" in the United States, they work much like coupons etc., they are normally exchanged between 'Participating Parties'. In this case some local banks and merchants in the Chicago area.

Saying 'Authorized by the US Treasury' may be a bit of a stretch. I had those words in my notes (that they used) in my notes on the bill.

There were also other denominations:.

AFRO dollars had the likeness of Booker T. Washington on the one, Louis Armstrong on the five, George Washington Carver on the 10, and Frederick Douglass on the 20.