I received a high school assignment to find out information about an item that was given to me. It is a small ticket (in a protective case) that says:
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Allegheny County
2 Jail
cents
Good for value shown
in merchandise
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Do you have any idea what this is or who I could ask? I have a digital picture of it if that helps...

Sounds to me like some sort of a script meant for inmates to use at the jail commissary. Try doing some research into correction institutions. For only 2 cents, maybe look at history of correction.