17th Century Tokens (Kent)
By
Brian Waterhouse
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This series of currency albeit unofficial in the eyes of the Government was issued between 1648 and 1672 when its use was suppressed by Royal Proclamation. Why were they issued Historically 1642 to 1667 was a period of troubled times, when one considers that in this short space of time (some 25 years) the following events took place 1642-1651 Civil Wars 1649 Execution of Charles ICommonwealth : Rule often imposed by Military Force
During these times people still had to buy and sell, therefore small denomination coinage was required. This need was ignored by the Government for a variety of reasons, which included the relative values of Silver and Gold, and the objection to seeing the Monarchs Head on non precious metal coins. The initiative was therefore taken by Tradespeople to issue tokens of small value i.e. Halfpenny and Farthing for use within their own community. In Kent only one Penny Token was issued. Examples found by detectorists in locations far from the place of issue, proves that there use was far more widespread than originally planned. Identification and Research is greatly enhanced by the information portrayed on these small pieces of metal (The most common metals used were Copper Alloy, Brass, and Lead ) Devices The Devices or Illustrations on these tokens normally fall into the following categories: Armorial ; Coats of Arms- Heraldic Trade/Guild; Coats of Arms of specific Trades. i.e. Drapers, Inn holders, Weavers etc Personal ; Designs of a personal nature, depicting such things as Occupation or Family Legends Legends or written information normally appears on both sides of the token and the legend on the Reverse is in most cases a continuation of that on the Obverse. One or more of the following is contained within the Legend. Name of Issuer Example William Osborne Place of Issue Ashford Trade Grocers Arms Date 1663 Initials W.P.O. (note later refers) Specific place of Issue Many are issued by Innkeepers, therefore the Pub Name appears, ie The Saracens Head. The spelling of place names was often varied, as many of the makers were illiterate. It is also important to note the use of V for U and I for J.
Initials on Tokens Most of the Tokens bearing Initials have them in Threes in a Triangular Formation. Two Initials is not uncommon Example: Surname P W S Christian Name Relative/Trade Guild or Profession Tokens Issued Specific to Kent
This information is taken from the Major Reference Works and Examples found by Metal Detectorists in Kent
Total Number Issued
Recorded by Reference Number Prefix D/W (Includes 17 Varieties)……………589
Further Recorded Issues Numbered D590 to 593 ( Lead Tokens)……………….. 4
Additional Types Issued Catalogued A or B to Recorded Types…………………26
Total Issued…… 619
Shapes Round……………602 Octagonal……….. 11 Heart Shaped……. 5 Square…………… 1 Locations Number of Locations who Issued Tokens………..104
Major Reference Works Boyne Catalogue of 17th Century Traders Tokens Two Volumes : Who Listed 486 Issues Williamson Trade Tokens: Issued in the 17th Century Volumes I;II;III. Updated Boyne and added further recordings Dickinson 17th Century Tokens of the British Isles Thompson/Dickinson Sylloge of Coins of the British Isles "The Norweb Collection" Tokens of the British Isles 1575 to 1750
I am indebted to the many Detectorists who have supplied me with Kent Tokens for my collection. Should anyone have unwanted specimens, I am willing to purchase or trade for other coins or artefacts.
For further information or advice you can contact me on brian@tokens.freeserve.co.uk
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