Pub token

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The Ship and Pelican Public House - geograph.org.uk - 1639105

Pub tokens were a form of currency used primarily in the United Kingdom and Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. These tokens were issued by pub and inn owners as a way to facilitate trade and credit within local communities. Pub tokens often bore the name of the issuing establishment, the value of the token, and sometimes the name of the town or city. They were used for transactions within the pub or inn, such as purchasing food and drink, and in some cases could be used with local tradespeople who accepted them.

History

The use of tokens in pubs dates back to the 17th century but became more widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries. This was a period characterized by a shortage of small denomination coinage in Britain, which made everyday transactions difficult. Pub tokens partly filled this gap by providing a form of credit to customers, who could redeem them for goods and services. They also allowed pub owners to encourage loyalty among their patrons.

Design and Manufacture

Pub tokens were made from a variety of materials, including copper, brass, and lead. The design of the tokens was simple but varied from one establishment to another. Some featured the pub's name and location, while others included symbols or images associated with the pub or the owner's interests. The manufacturing of tokens was often done locally, with pub owners commissioning local craftsmen or mints to produce them.

Usage

The primary use of pub tokens was as a substitute for money. They were given as change to customers, who could use them to pay for future purchases at the pub. This system worked on trust and the mutual benefit of both the pub owner and the customer. It also helped to ensure that the money spent on the tokens would return to the issuing pub, thus keeping the local economy vibrant.

Decline

The use of pub tokens began to decline in the late 19th century as the British government took steps to improve the national currency system, introducing more small denomination coins into circulation. This, combined with the growth of the banking system and the introduction of paper money, made pub tokens less necessary and less practical.

Collecting

Today, pub tokens are considered collectibles, with historians and collectors interested in them for their historical value and connection to local history. They offer insights into the social and economic conditions of their time, as well as the history of specific pubs and communities.

See Also

• Token coin
• Local currency
• Trade tokens