Home / Intro / 19th Century (Copper Tokens)

Introduction

These "tokens of necessity" are not as "flashy" as their 18th century predecessors, but are interesting due to their ties with the rapidly escalating industrial revolution. Most were heavily used, and nice examples can be hard to locate.

These interesting tokens were not saved by collectors at the time they were issued like their 18^th century counterparts. Very high grade pieces are thus all quite scarce. As well, many that were in circulation received edge dings and other scrapes, due to their large size. Issued primarily by large industry, they are a reminder of how industry coped with a lack of change as the industrial revolution gained momentum.

History

• See the history page for more information about these tokens.

Bibliography

• See the bibliography page for related reference books.

• These tokens are listed by Withers numbers, from his new book on 19^th Century coinage, and by Davis numbers. Withers new book, with wonderful history of the times and the tokens, was offered at $138.