Abstract: An automated token system (particularly for toll roads) utilizing a token which may be permanently magnetized and demagnetized. The token is made of permanent magnetic materials such as barium ferrite and a plastic material, is circular and has a uniform thickness.The system includes a mechanism for magnetically and visually writing on the token at an entrance to a controlled area or road and a reader for reading information at the exit. The mechanism for writing includes an electromagnetic conditioner which erases old information and an electromagnetic head or heads which place data bits of information on the token. An input from a computer and/or shift register and/or switches and appropriate amplifiers signal the electromagnetic heads. The reader for reading includes a scanning head which takes the information from the token and transmits it to a shift register or computer.