LocalToken for William Tong Oxford 1661
Name/Title
LocalToken for William Tong Oxford 1661Entry/Object ID
2025.1.51Description
A Local Token for William Tong Oxford, dated 1661Context
Local tradesmen token in the UK refer to small, usually copper, coins issued by individual shopkeepers and merchants in the 17th century, particularly between 1648 and 1673, to act as a form of local currency when there was a shortage of low-value official coinage; these tokens typically displayed the name and trade of the issuing merchant, allowing them to be used only within their local area. Reason for existence: Due to a lack of small denomination coins minted by the government, local businesses created their own "tokens" to facilitate small transactions. Design features: These tokens often displayed the name of the issuing trader, their trade symbol, the town, and sometimes the value of the token. Limited circulation: As they were issued by individual businesses, these tokens were primarily used within the immediate area where the shop was located. Illegal but tolerated: While technically not legal tender, the practice of issuing trade tokens was often tolerated by local authorities during the period of coin scarcity.Category
Coins, Tokens and Medals or Awards