BOSTON (AP) – A different type of “slug,” dating back to the mid 1950s, is allowing motorists to park for half price at many city parking meters.

New Hampshire toll tokens, which cost 12.5 cents each when bought by the roll, are about the same size as a quarter and can be used as a substitute, the Boston Herald reported Sunday. The tokens have been sold since 1955. It could prove costly to the city’s $10 million-a-year parking meter operation.

While the tokens didn’t work everywhere, a significant number of meters throughout the city accepted them. But those that did helped drivers save $1 at a two-hour meter that normally requires eight quarters.

Among the neighborhoods where the “fake” quarters worked: Chinatown, the FleetCenter area and Beacon Hill. One place it doesn’t pay to try, the city’s Financial District.

So, how tempting is it to use tokens instead of coins? Depends on who’s talking

“I wouldn’t (use it). It’s dishonest . . . someone’s losing money,” Janika Dillon, of Everett, told the Herald.

“It’s unlawful. I wouldn’t encourage it,” said Sunny Singh of Cambridge. “But in case of an emergency, if I didn’t have change, it would be useful.”

Alice Anne MacMillan, who got an extra 15 minutes on her meter thanks to a token, had another take on the money break.

“That’s awesome! I would go to New Hampshire to buy some,” she said.

A spokesman for the Boston Transportation Department, said officials didn’t know about the situation until informed.

“We are now aware,” said the spokesman, James Mansfield. “We are working with the manufacturer to adjust the meter sensors.”

Violators face a fine of $100 if they are caught, Mansfield warned.