| Today is |
TokensIn BritainAt various times, the government did not mint copper coins of small denominations. In order to fill the void and meet the daily needs of the people, tokens were created privately. The first period of token production lasted from 1648 to 1672. Issued by merchants and tradesmen, these were usually only payable at the establishment that issued the token. The second period is from 1787 to 1797. These were issued by corporations and counties as well as individual merchants; many were redeemable at numerous locations. These are referred to today as "Conder" tokens, after James Conder (1763-1823), one of the first collectors and cataloguers of these tokens. A third period lasted from 1811 to 1815 (and intermittently afterwards). Many of these tokens, issued by industries, reflect the new industrial age. See my British and Conder Tokens. In CanadaIn the colonies, the shortage of low denomination coins continued, and tokens circulated sporadically through the 19th century until the minting of official coinage. Pre-Confederation, or colonial, tokens were Canada's first small change before Confederation in 1867. See tokens from The Maritimes. See tokens from Upper & Lower Canada. See Bank & Other Tokens. I have also included catalogue numbers for reference. Hanging FleeceMy last page shows part of my collection of tokens, from different countries, with the "hanging fleece" design. This design, very similar to the symbol of the Golden Fleece, has its roots in the wool industry. See my flock of Hanging Fleeces.
Questions? Comments? Reach me at: |
