Articles on British tokens and medals
This section lists articles on British tokens and medals. You can submit an article by contacting us.
Tokens of the colonies of the British Empire: Australia
Because the government in Britain had prohibited the colonial goverments from minting any copper or silver coins and due to a shortage of small coinage in Australia in the 19th century, several merchants ordered un-official tokens to facilitate trade. The first Australian merchants to take the initiative and order a shipment of tokens were George Annand and Robert Smith. These tokens were also used as an advertisement for their business.
By Coinsanduk | Thursday, March 4, 2021
Tokens of the colonies of the British Empire: Canada
In 1763 France and England signed the Treaty of Paris and Canada became a British possession. Sixty years later the mother country had made no effort to provide an official currency for the young colony. By this time several private banks were in operation and they issued paper money which served to facilitate large business transactions. It was in the market place, where the ordinary citizen had to make change for small purchases, that the situation was most keenly felt.
By Coinsanduk | Thursday, June 4, 2020
A Brief Description of Condor Tokens
During the latter part of the 18th century Britain found herself with a severe shortage of small denomination coinage. Royal Mint issues of copper farthing and halfpenny coins had ceased in 1775 and none were forthcoming for 23 years. This shortage, coupled with the onset of the industrial revolution and the movement of more people into factory jobs, prompted the Parys Mines Co. in 1787 to mint and issue a copper penny token to pay their workers.
By Cliff Lawless | Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The Dassiers of Geneva - Book Review
After many years of research, William Eisler has written the first of two volum series on the medals produced by Jean Dassier and his family. This work is a magnum opus on Dassier, culminating in bringing together the many strands of research into Dassier's life as well as private and public collections of his life's work.
By George Manz | Sunday, June 1, 2003
A Taste of English Tavern Tokens
I admit it. I like beer. I've also been known to drink wine from time to time. I suspect many of you have a certain fondness for these beverages, too. However, even though I've been a coin collector for 40 years, I only recently discovered that these popular libations were celebrated on advertising tokens issued by 17th-century English inns, taverns and alehouses.
By George Manz | Thursday, August 1, 2002
Early British Tokens
Early British tokens are a fascinating corner of numismatics. Issued at four distinct times over three centuries, they answered a desperate need for small change among the working classes and rural population as the Industrial Revolution developed. The tokens illustrate life in these times, as lived by the vast majority of people in Great Britian. This article will introduce the tokens [...] offer dealer recommendations [...] and books for further study.
By Mike Grogan | Tuesday, February 27, 2001
English Merchant Tokens
Early British tokens are a fascinating corner of numismatics. Issued at four distinct times over three centuries, they answered a desperate need for small change among the working classes and rural population as the Industrial Revolution developed. The tokens illustrate life in these times, as lived by the vast majority of people in Great Britian. This article will introduce the tokens [...] offer dealer recommendations [...] and books for further study.
By Richard G. Doty - Chicago Coin Club | Wednesday, January 1, 1986
