Why do we collect tokens as part of numismatic collection?

For some collectors, focusing on tokens forms the primary aspect of their numismatic collection. Various reasons contribute to this preference.

The featured token is a trader's token made of pressed aluminum from the US, dating back to circa 1940. This token would have been redeemable for a discount of 5 cents, perhaps on a purchase of root beer or a similar item.

Massman’s place 5c token

Collecting tokens is a natural process when one collects coins. There will usually be an opportunity to acquire tokens whether you want them or not. 

Some sellers will include tokens as a gift or you might acquire a token in a swap with another collector. It might be also that you come across a penny press or something of the like at a tourist attraction. 

For some reason in the UK most aquariums have a penny press. They can be found all over the place across Europe and the US, there is one at Madam Tussauds in London for example. If you are a regular tourist it is inexpensive to build up a collection folder of these tokens. 

Blue reef Aquarium Bristol

The mechanics of the penny press with an interesting rare version of the machine.

These machines are great for kids and adults alike, they demonstrate the kind of forces involved in pressing a penny. These machines are quite impressive in respect to their size. 

There are some very interesting designs. The new copper plated steel pennies make quite a different pressed penny from the original 100% copper pennies that were in circulation when these machines first came into service. 

Another reason a person might collect tokens is in connection with another hobby such as ‘train spotting’ it stands to reason that a train spotter might want a tangible trophy from his/her having ‘spotted’ a certain train. A fare token or a metro token might be just that token. 

The token below from the Schenzhen metro is one such token. This one has an RF strip inside it that is read by a fare machine. These tokens are now being largely replaced by top up cards in the west. 

Tokens are produced for advertising, to facilitate trade, for sale or a combination of the three. It is not surprising at all that some coin clubs release their own tokens. 

These can be as a memento of a fair or as a way of advertising their club. Numismatists are often very proud of their collections and when they band together in a club they can be very pompous indeed.

Tokens can come in many different materials, from Gold right down to wood. The material can often determine their value but a very rare wooden nickel might be worth more than a common 18th century silver token.

Tokens have been with us almost as long as we have had coins, if not before then.  Tokens can be a great medium for researching history. They often lead us down roads in research that one might not be naturally disposed to think up.

The Indian reader might be aware of tokens used by colonial companies as a means to collect materials from workers.

A token for 4 Annas

The token mentioned above originates from the Kanan Devin Hills Produce company, likely distributed to workers who could then exchange it for coins at the office. Its rarity is noteworthy, with a mintage of just 10,000. (Image: Numista)

The company remains in operation, and you can find more information at www.kdhptea.com.

For researching tokens, I often utilize www.numista.com and tokencatalog.com.

Stay tuned to this blog for additional articles on tokens, where we'll explore the history of some vintage tokens and delve further into the hobby.

Contributed to this blog by Mr. Alan Gingelos.