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==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The noun ''exonumia'' is derived from two classical roots: ''exo'', meaning "out-of" in [[Greek language|Greek]], and ''[[nummus]]'', meaning "coin" in [[Latin]] (from Greek νοῦμμος – ''noummos'', "coin"); thus, "out[side]-of-[the category]coins". Usually, the term "exonumia" is applied to these objects in the [[United States]], while the equivalent [[British English|British]] term is '''[[wiktionary:paranumismatica|paranumismatica]]'''.
The noun ''exonumia'' is derived from two classical roots: ''exo'', meaning "out-of" in [[Greek language|Greek]], and ''[[nummus]]'', meaning "coin" in [[Latin]] (from Greek νοῦμμος – ''noummos'', "coin"); thus, "out[side]-of-[the category]coins".<ref>{{cite web |title=Exonumia |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exonumia |website=merriam-webster.com |publisher=Merriam-Webster |access-date=8 June 2024}}</ref> The equivalent [[British English|British]] term, '''[[wiktionary:paranumismatica|paranumismatica]]''', may also be used.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Edge |first1=Brian |title=PARANUMISMATICA DEFINED |url=https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v06n03a14.html |website=coinbooks.org |publisher=The Numismatic Bibliomania Society (NBS) |access-date=8 June 2024}}</ref>


The words ''exonumist'' and ''exonumia'' were coined in July 1960 by [[Russell Rulau]], a recognized authority and author on the subject, and accepted by [[Webster's dictionary]] in 1965.
The words ''exonumist'' and ''exonumia'' were coined in July 1960 by [[Russell Rulau]],<ref>{{cite web |title=TAMS Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://tokenandmedal.org/FAQ/FAQ.html |website=tokenandmedal.org |publisher=Token and Medal Society (TAMS) |access-date=8 June 2024}}</ref> a recognized authority and author on the subject, and accepted by [[Webster's dictionary]] in 1965.


==Token Coins==
==Token coins==
{{Main|Token coin}}
{{Main|Token coin}}
Many tokens were produced and used as currency in the United States and elsewhere when there was a shortage of government-issued money. Tokens have been used for both to advertise and to facilitate commerce.
Many tokens were produced and used as currency in the United States and elsewhere when there was a shortage of government-issued money. Tokens have been used for both to advertise and to facilitate commerce and may or may not have a value.


Token authority [[Russell Rulau]] offers a broad definition for exonumia, and lines between categories can be fuzzy. For example, an advertising token may also be considered a medal. '''Good For''' tokens may also advertise. Counter-stamped coins have been called "little billboards." Exonumia may include anything coin-like that is not a government-issued coin.
Token authority [[Russell Rulau]] offers a broad definition for exonumia in his 1040 page tome, ''UNITED STATES TOKENS: 1700–1900'' <ref name="Rulau">{{cite book |last=Rulau |first1=Russell |authorlink=Russell Rulau |title=Standard Catalog United States Tokens 1700-1900}}</ref> but lines between categories can be fuzzy. For example, an advertising token may also be considered a medal. '''Good For''' tokens may also advertise. Counter-stamped coins have been called "little billboards."


One way of parsing tokens is into these three general categories:
The English term "para-numismatica", or alongside currency, appears more limiting, hinting that tokens must have some sort of “value” or monetary usage. One definition of para-numismatica is anything coin-like but not a coin. In America this is not the accepted usage. Rulau's 1040 page tome, ''UNITED STATES TOKENS: 1700–1900'' <ref name="Rulau">{{cite book |last=Rulau |first1=Russell |authorlink=Russell Rulau |title=Standard Catalog United States Tokens 1700-1900}}</ref> includes many tokens without any monetary value depicted on the token. While he included many items, the book is not exhaustive.

The following groupings of categories are continually expanding. One way of parsing tokens is into these three general categories:
* Has a "value," facilitating commerce, such as ''Good for (something)''.
* Has a "value," facilitating commerce, such as ''Good for (something)''.
* Commemoration, remembrance, dedication, or the like, for some person, place, idea or event.
* Commemoration, remembrance, dedication, or the like, for some person, place, idea or event.
* Of a ''personal nature''.
* Of a ''personal nature''.


Typically, catalogs of tokens are organized by location, time period, and/or type of item. Historically, the need for tokens grew out of the need for currency. In America, some tokens legally circulated alongside or instead of currency up until recently. Hard Times Tokens and Civil War Tokens each were the size of the contemporary cent. Afterwards, value based items, such as ''Good for (amount of money)'', ''Good for One Quart of Milk'', ''Good for One Beer'', ''Good for One Ride…'' and others were specifically linked to commerce of the store or place of issue.
Typically, catalogs of tokens are organized by location, time period, and/or type of item. Historically, the need for tokens grew out of the need for currency. In America, some tokens legally circulated alongside or instead of currency. [[Hard times token|Hard Times Tokens]] and [[Civil War token|Civil War tokens]] each were the size of the contemporary cent. Afterwards, value based items, such as ''Good for (amount of money)'', ''Good for One Quart of Milk'', ''Good for One Beer'', ''Good for One Ride…'' and others were specifically linked to commerce of the store or place of issue.

For clarity, exonumia are numismatic items, other than government coins or paper money, which can be studied or collected.

Numismatic = coins, paper money, exonumia (numismatist)<br />
Exonumia = tokens, medals, badges, ribbons, etc. (exonumist) <br />
Notaphily = paper money (notaphile/notaphiliac).<br />
Scripophily = stock certificates (scripophilist, scripophilac)<br />
Medals have a clear distinction from tokens in that there is no monetary value on the item, nor any intent to be used as money. (medalist)


==Medals==
==Medals==
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Medals are coin-like artistic objects, typically with a commemorative purpose. They may be awarded for recognition of achievement or created for sale to commemorate individuals or events. They may be souvenirs, devotional, or purely artistic. Medals are generally not used as currency or for exchange.
Medals are coin-like artistic objects, typically with a commemorative purpose. They may be awarded for recognition of achievement or created for sale to commemorate individuals or events. They may be souvenirs, devotional, or purely artistic. Medals are generally not used as currency or for exchange.


==Exonumia Collecting==
==Exonumia collecting==


Exonumia collectors, like coin collectors, are attentive to condition and rarity, as well as to history, form and type. Exonumists may collect items by region, topic, type, shape or material. These different collecting preferences may change the ways tokens are documented, i.e., by region, time period, or type.
Exonumia collectors, like coin collectors, are attentive to condition and rarity, as well as to history, form and type. Exonumists may collect items by region, topic, type, shape or material and this affects the ways tokens are documented.


The following categories are typical. This is not all-inclusive but is a sampling of the wide variety of exonumia:
The following categories are typical. This is not all-inclusive but is a sampling of the wide variety of exonumia.
;Tokens


===By type===
''Modified/Augmented'':

*Love Token: A coin with hand engraving, generally on one side, or deliberately bent
''Modified/augmented'':
*[[Hobo nickel]]s Indian Head/Buffalo nickel: Engraved by hand mostly in the era 1913–38, usually a modification of the Indian head
*Love Token: A coin with hand engraving, generally on one side, or deliberately bent.
*Carved Potty coins, usually Trade Dollars, to show lady Liberty sitting on a chamber pot
*Carved Potty coins: usually [[United States Seated Liberty coinage]] carved to show lady Liberty sitting on a chamber pot.
*Counterstamped / countermarked coins (done by merchants or governments)
*[[Hobo nickel]]s: Initially, hand-engraved [[Buffalo nickel]]s mostly in the era 1913–38. Now, applied more generally to hand-engraved coins of different denominations.
*Cut Coins: Coins that are artistically carved creations made from genuine coins, both new and old, often for jewelry.
*[[Countermark|Counterstamped/countermarked]] or [[Chop marks on coins|chopped]] coins (done by merchants or governments)
*Cut Coins: artistically carved creations made from genuine coins, both new and old, often for jewelry.
*[[Elongated coin]]s: Rolled out with advertising, commemorative, or souvenir designs on one side
*[[Elongated coin]]s: Rolled out with advertising, commemorative, or souvenir designs on one side
*Encased Coin: Generally in a ring with advertising
*Encased Coin: Generally in a ring with advertising
*Encased Postage: Actual postage stamps mounted into a round frame with advertising on the other side
* Colored or painted circulation or bullion issues
* Colored or painted circulation or bullion issues
*[[Short snorter]]: paper money signed by people sharing a common experience
* [[Coin slab]]s: rare or sample slabs<ref name="sampleslab">{{cite web |url=https://readingroom.money.org/collecting-sample-slabs/ |title=Collecting Sample Slabs |last=Hoard |first=Kellen |work=The Reading Room |publisher=[[American Numismatic Association]] |date=2024-02-08 |accessdate=2024-05-18 }}</ref>
[[File:Geocoin at Spier's.JPG|thumb|right|250px|A Smokey Bear Geocoin]]
[[File:Geocoin at Spier's.JPG|thumb|right|250px|A Smokey Bear Geocoin]]

''Play-Game money / Arcade Amusement / Novelty''
''Play money / fantasy / counterfeit / art''
*[[Game arcade|Arcade]] tokens
*[[Play money]] or game counters (e.g. imitation guineas, whist tokens)
*Amusement
*[[Fantasy issue]] or novelty money (e.g. [[Promotional fake United States currency]], [[Prop#Money|Prop money]])
*Game Counter
*Play money
*[[Novelty money]]
*[[Peep show]]
*[[Casino token|Casino/Slot tokens/Casino chips]]
*[[Geocoins]] used in geocaching
*[[Mardi Gras Doubloons]]
*[[Mardi Gras Doubloons]]
*[[Coin_counterfeiting#Collectible_counterfeit_coins|Counterfeit coins]] including [[Evasion (numismatics)|evasion tokens]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thecoppercorner.com/history/evasions_hist.html | title = 18th Century "EVASION" TOKENS | last = McKivor | first = Bill | website = The Copper Corner | access-date = 2017-01-30 | quote = "The laws were written to cover Regal coinage. If a coin was made that was not an EXACT COPY of the Regal coin, it was considered to be a token, and the law did not apply. Thus, the counterfeiters simply switched from making counterfeit coins to making "Evasion" token coinage that looked somewhat like the regal coin." |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204045826/http://www.thecoppercorner.com/history/evasions_hist.html |archivedate=2022-02-04}}</ref>
*[[Counterfeit_money#Money_art|Money art]]


''Government Services & Non-National tools to Facilitate Commerce''
''Government services & non-national tools to facilitate commerce''
*[[Car wash]] tokens
* [[Jeton]]s: Used as counters when verifying totals or weights of coins for commerce and exchange
* [[Jeton]]s: Used as counters when verifying totals or weights of coins for commerce and exchange
* [[Telephone token]]s/[[Gettone|Gettoni]]
* Evasion tokens: 18th century semi-counterfeit were made to look like ''kind of'' but not exactly like actual currency<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thecoppercorner.com/history/evasions_hist.html | title = 18th Century "EVASION" TOKENS | last = McKivor | first = Bill | website = The Copper Corner | access-date = 2017-01-30 | quote = "The laws were written to cover Regal coinage. If a coin was made that was not an EXACT COPY of the Regal coin, it was considered to be a token, and the law did not apply. Thus, the counterfeiters simply switched from making counterfeit coins to making "Evasion" token coinage that looked somewhat like the regal coin."}}</ref>
* [[Local currency]], e.g. [[Ithaca Hours]]
* [[Sales tax tokens]]: Issued by states and merchants
* [[Sales tax tokens]]: Issued by states and merchants
* Dog license tags
* Parking tokens: for [[Parking meter|meters]] or [[Parking garage|gates]]
* Dog licence tags
* Post office tags
* Post office tags
* Ration tokens, e.g. [[Office_of_Price_Administration#OPA_points|OPA tokens]]

* [[Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program|Food stamps]]
* [[Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program|Food stamps]]
* Slave tags – slave hire badges (Tax Receipts)
* Slave tags: see [[Slave codes]]


''Transportation Tokens''
''Transportation tokens''
* Ferries and watercraft
* Ferries and watercraft
* Buses
* Buses
*Subway
* Subway
* Trains
* Trains
*Trams
* Trams/Trolleys
* Trolleys


''Closed Community / Membership''
''Closed community / membership''
* [[Communion token]]s: given to congregation members to permit them to participate in [[Holy Communion]])
* [[Company store]]
* [[Company scrip]]
* [[Company scrip]]
* Ingle Credit System script
* Ingle Credit System script
* [[Company scrip#Lumber company scrip|Lumber]]
* [[Company scrip#Lumber company scrip|Lumber]]
* [[Company scrip#Coal company scrip|Mining]]
* [[Company scrip#Coal company scrip|Mining]]
* [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] (CCC)
* Plantation
* ''[[Civilian Conservation Corps]] (CCC)''
* College Currency
* College Currency
* [[Challenge coin|Military Challenge]]
* [[Challenge coin]]s
* Military Store and Entertainment
* Picker tokens for crops
* Prison and Correctional/Asylums
* Fraternal
* Fraternal
** [[Freemasonry|Masonic]]
** [[Freemasonry|Masonic]]
** [[Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks|Elks]]
** [[Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks|Elks]]
** [[Loyal Order of Moose|Moose]]
** [[Loyal Order of Moose|Moose]]
** Eagles
** [[Woodmen of the World]]
** [[Woodmen of the World]]
* [[Geocoins]] used in geocaching
* [[Leper colony money]]
* Military
** [[Military payment certificate]]
** [[Allied Military Currency]]
** [[Japanese invasion money]]
** canteen, mess hall, NCO club tokens

* Plantation
** Picker tokens for crops
* Prison and Correctional/Asylums
* [[Sobriety coin]]
[[File:South Leith communion token obverse.jpg|thumb|right|175px|[[Obverse and reverse|Obverse]] of a communion token from [[South Leith Parish Church]]]]
[[File:South Leith communion token obverse.jpg|thumb|right|175px|[[Obverse and reverse|Obverse]] of a communion token from [[South Leith Parish Church]]]]
* [[Communion token]]s (given to congregation members in good standing to permit them to participate in [[Holy Communion]])


''Unique material / shapes''
''By material / shapes''
* [[Wooden nickel]]s
* [[Wooden nickel]]s
* Cardboard or paper
* Cardboard or paper
* Hard rubber or [[vulcanite]]
* Hard rubber or [[ebonite]]
* [[Porcelain money]]
* Advertising pocket mirrors
* [[Bullion]], e.g. non-legal tender [[Silver_coin#Silver_rounds|silver rounds]]


''Movements and ideals''
''Movements and ideals''
* [[Temperance movement|Temperance]]
* [[Temperance movement|Temperance]]
* Anti-slavery
* Anti-slavery
* Religious (including temple tokens)
* Religious, e.g. [[Indian temple tokens]]
* Political tokens, e.g. [[Bryan Money]]
* [[World's Fair]] (Expositions around the world)
* Locations
* City or state anniversary


''Of a Personal nature – Personals''
''Of a personal nature – personals''
* Key tags (e.g. ''In case lost return to …'')
* Key tags (e.g. ''In case lost return to …'')
* Badges
* Badges
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[[File:Loco pay cheque - GWR.JPG|thumb|200px|A Great Western [[Railway pay cheque]]]]
[[File:Loco pay cheque - GWR.JPG|thumb|200px|A Great Western [[Railway pay cheque]]]]


''By issuer''
''By Issuer or for a Specific Person''
*[[Game arcade|Arcade/Amusement]] tokens
* Milk/dairy
* Apothecary tokens
* [[Bakery token]]
* [[Bakery token]]
* Beer
* Beer
* Pub/bar/saloon
* [[Pub token|Pub/bar/saloon]]
* Billiards/pool
* Billiards/pool
* Brothel tokens
* [[Car wash]] tokens
*[[Casino chip collecting|Casino/Slot tokens/Casino chips]]
* Cigar/smoke shops
* Cigar/smoke shops
* Coat check
* Restroom tokens for [[pay toilet]] use
* [[Disney Dollars]]
* Doctors (including apothecary tokens)
* Fisherman tokens
* Automobiles
* Milk/dairy
* [[George Washington]] medals
* Parking tokens: for [[Parking meter|meters]] or [[Parking garage|gates]]
* Presidents, governors, other politicians
* [[Pay toilet]] tokens
* Inventors and other important persons
* [[Peep show]]
* [[Railway pay cheque|Railway cheque tokens]]

''Medals''
* Politicians, inventors and other notables, e.g. [[George Washington]]
* [[World's fair]]s or other expositions
* City or state anniversaries
* So-called dollars: medals and souvenirs similar in size to a silver dollar commemorating American historical events such as world's fairs, anniversary celebrations, dedications, battles, public works projects, etc.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quick Introduction to So-Called Dollars|url=
https://www.socalleddollar.com/quickintro.html|website=So-called Dollars|access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref>


''Modern items'' under the exonumia umbrella include:
''Modern items'' under the exonumia umbrella include:
* [[Credit card]]s
* [[Credit card]]s
* [[Gift card]]s: Gift cards have been replacing the giving of cash for events
* [[Gift card]]s
* [[Telephone card]]s
* [[Telephone card]]s
* Music cards
* Music cards


===By region===
Rulau in his 1700–1900 book historically breaks down American tokens into these general time periods:
==== China====
* Early American
There are many types of Chinese exonumia, including alternative currencies:
* [[Hard times token]]s were made during the "hard times" after [[Andrew Jackson|President Andrew Jackson]] shut down the [[Second Bank of the United States]]. These also were issued privately to circulate in the local economy as a [[U.S. cent|one cent]] coin. They had a wide variety of subject matter, anti-slavery, anti-Jackson
* [[Bamboo tally]]
* Merchant (including modern gas tokens, ex: Shell tokens)
* [[Chinese token (alternative currency)|Token]]
* [[American Civil War]]
* Trade tokens
* [[Gay 90s]]


and [[Chinese numismatic charm|numismatic charms]]:
Even though the following are legitimate categories for exonumia, they are not included in the 1700–1900 reference.
* [[Buddhist coin charm]]
* Amusement tokens
* [[Chinese burial money|Burial money]]
* Military
* [[Confucian coin charm]]
* Prison
* [[Telephone token]]s
* [[Horse coin]]
* [[Hell money]]
* Political campaign tokens
* [[Lei Ting curse charm]]
* Transportation tokens
* [[Marriage coin charm]]
* Medals 33 mm and larger
* [[Open-work charm]]
* And others (ex: Fisherman tokens, SEX tokens)
* [[Vault protector coin]]
* [[Taoist coin charm]]
* [[Zhengde Tongbao]]


==== Germany ====
== Other forms in Latin America==
[[Notgeld]], primarily in the form of paper [[banknote]]s, was issued in Germany and Austria during [[World War I]] and the [[interwar period]] by towns, banks and other institutions due to a shortage of money.
[[Image:BIGBUFF.jpg|right|thumb|Copper trade token of Durfee & Peck, Indian traders on Missouri River in various locations, circa 1869]]
Another important area of token collecting is Latin American coffee or plantation tokens. Many but not all of these tokens were made in the United States while others were made in Europe and England. These tokens are circulated in more than one language although Spanish is the prevalent one. Plantation tokens can have an array of denominations and names. The name can be the owner or their relatives. Sometimes the token can have the name of the farm (or finca). Lastly, tokens had allegorical symbols to identify the owner. Very little documentation exists since the inception of Latin American tokens, therefore, many tokens cannot be verified as to who the real owner is or what the symbol or symbols meant.


==== Latin America====
Tokens in [[Latin America]] were used as currency since there was not enough official currency available. Customarily, workers could convert the tokens to official currency on Saturdays. It is widely understood that many plantation owners in Latin America had their own commissaries, therefore, the workers were able to use the farm owners tokens to pay for provisions. It is important to note that in the 19th century many of the plantation workers and families lived in the farm they worked on.
[[Latin America]]n coffee or plantation tokens were an important part of commerce.<ref name="Rulau-LA">{{cite book |last=Rulau |first1=Russell |authorlink=Russell Rulau |title=Latin American Tokens: An Illustrated, Priced Catalog of the Unofficial Coinage of Latin America—Used in Plantation, Mine, Mill, and Dock—From 1700 to the 20th Century}}</ref> Many plantation owners had their own commissaries and workers used plantation tokens to pay for provisions. Many tokens were made in the United States or Europe. Plantation tokens had an array of denominations and names. The name can be the owner, their relatives or the name of the farm (or finca). Tokens had allegorical symbols to identify the owner. Tokens were used as currency when there was not enough official currency available. Workers could convert the tokens to official currency on Saturdays.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}


Latin American tokens were made in all types of base metals and alloys plus plastic, celluloid and [[bakelite]]. Unique to Costa Rica were tokens made in paper fashion, either uniface or printed on both sides. Many people call these [[paper chit]]s. The word "Boleto" is used solely in Costa Rica for the word token whereas "ficha" is used in the rest of Latin America.
Tokens were made in all types of base metals and alloys plus plastic, celluloid and [[bakelite]]. Unique to Costa Rica were tokens made of paper ([[paper chit]]s). The word "boleto" is used in Costa Rica for the word token whereas "ficha" is used in the rest of Latin America.

====United Kingdom====
[[Conder token]]s were privately minted [[Token coin|tokens]]
from the later part of the 18th century and the early part of the 19th century in [[England]], [[Anglesey]] and [[Wales]], [[Scotland]], and [[Ireland]].

====United States====
[[Image:BIGBUFF.jpg|right|thumb|Copper trade token of Durfee & Peck, Indian traders on Missouri River in various locations, circa 1869]]
Rulau<ref name="Rulau"/> breaks down American tokens into these general time periods:
* Early American
* [[Hard times token]]s were made during the "[[Panic of 1837|hard times]]" after [[Andrew Jackson|President Andrew Jackson]] shut down the [[Second Bank of the United States]]. These tokens were issued privately to circulate in the local economy as a [[U.S. cent|one cent]] coin. They had a wide variety of subject matter, including advertising and political/satirical themes (anti-slavery, anti-Jackson).
* [[Civil War token]]s were made between 1861 and 1864 due to the scarcity of government-issued cents during the [[American Civil War]]. [[Encased postage stamp]]s were also used for this purpose.
* Merchant (including modern gas tokens, ex: Shell tokens)

* Trade tokens
* [[Gay 90s]]


==See also==
==See also==
Line 188: Line 211:
* [[Scrip]]
* [[Scrip]]
* [[Paraphilately]]
* [[Paraphilately]]
* [[Phaleristics]]


==References==
==References==
Line 193: Line 217:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* [http://www.chicagocoinclub.org/projects/PiN/cut.html Collecting U.S. Tokens: Challenges and Rewards, R. Leonard, Chicago Coin Club]
* [http://www.coin-gallery.com/cgglossary.htm Coin-Gallery.com glossary]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070905143355/http://members.fortunecity.com/tokenguy/tokentales/ Trade Token Tales], an educational website on trade tokens
* [http://www.plantagegeld.nl/ PlantageGeld], Plantation tokens, mainly Netherlands East Indies (Sumatra and Java), British North Borneo and Ceylon
* [http://www.plantagegeld.nl/ PlantageGeld], Plantation tokens, mainly Netherlands East Indies, British North Borneo and Ceylon (in Dutch)
* [http://www.24carat.co.uk/numismatictermsframe.html 24carat.co.UK Numismatic jargon – Coin terms]
* [http://www.chicagocoinclub.org/projects/PiN/cut.html Chicago Coin Club Reference]
* [http://www.canadiancoin.com/ Canadiancoin.com], dictionary
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060821191238/http://www.australianstamp.com/Coin-web/history/glossary.htm Australianstamp.com – Glossary of Numismatic terms]
* [http://www.costaricatokens.com CostaRicaTokens.com – Costa Rica Tokens]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070905143355/http://members.fortunecity.com/tokenguy/tokentales/ Token Tales], an educational website on trade tokens
* [http://medailles.jeannedarc.free.fr Médailles Jeanne d’Arc], French site containing pictures and descriptions of Medallions devoted to Joan of Arc
* ''Latin American Tokens: An Illustrated, Priced Catalog of the Unofficial Coinage of Latin America—Used in Plantation, Mine, Mill, and Dock—From 1700 to the 20th Century'' by [[Russell Rulau]]


==External links==
==External links==
Line 210: Line 227:
*[http://tokencatalog.com/ Richard's Token Database] Searchable database for Good For's and other items
*[http://tokencatalog.com/ Richard's Token Database] Searchable database for Good For's and other items


{{Coin collecting}}
{{Chinese exonumia}}
{{Chinese exonumia}}


Latest revision as of 14:41, 26 October 2024

Assorted exonumia, including a poker chip and an elongated coin
Part of a series on
Numismatics
the study of currency
Currency
Circulating currencies
Local currencies
Fictional currencies
Proposed currencies
History of money
Historical currencies
Medieval currencies
Production
Collection
Coin collecting
Notaphily
Exonumia
Scripophily

Exonumia are numismatic items (such as tokens, medals, or scrip) other than coins and paper money. This includes "Good For" tokens, badges, counterstamped coins, elongated coins, encased coins, souvenir medallions, tags, wooden nickels and other similar items. It is an aspect of numismatics and many coin collectors are also exonumists.

Besides the above strict definition, others extend it to include non-coins which may or may not be legal tenders such as cheques, credit cards and similar paper. These can also be considered notaphily or scripophily.

Etymology

[edit]

The noun exonumia is derived from two classical roots: exo, meaning "out-of" in Greek, and nummus, meaning "coin" in Latin (from Greek νοῦμμος – noummos, "coin"); thus, "out[side]-of-[the category]coins".[1] The equivalent British term, paranumismatica, may also be used.[2]

The words exonumist and exonumia were coined in July 1960 by Russell Rulau,[3] a recognized authority and author on the subject, and accepted by Webster's dictionary in 1965.

Token coins

[edit]
Main article: Token coin

Many tokens were produced and used as currency in the United States and elsewhere when there was a shortage of government-issued money. Tokens have been used for both to advertise and to facilitate commerce and may or may not have a value.

Token authority Russell Rulau offers a broad definition for exonumia in his 1040 page tome, UNITED STATES TOKENS: 1700–1900 [4] but lines between categories can be fuzzy. For example, an advertising token may also be considered a medal. Good For tokens may also advertise. Counter-stamped coins have been called "little billboards."

One way of parsing tokens is into these three general categories:

  • Has a "value," facilitating commerce, such as Good for (something).
  • Commemoration, remembrance, dedication, or the like, for some person, place, idea or event.
  • Of a personal nature.

Typically, catalogs of tokens are organized by location, time period, and/or type of item. Historically, the need for tokens grew out of the need for currency. In America, some tokens legally circulated alongside or instead of currency. Hard Times Tokens and Civil War tokens each were the size of the contemporary cent. Afterwards, value based items, such as Good for (amount of money), Good for One Quart of Milk, Good for One Beer, Good for One Ride… and others were specifically linked to commerce of the store or place of issue.

Medals

[edit]
Main article: Medals

Medals are coin-like artistic objects, typically with a commemorative purpose. They may be awarded for recognition of achievement or created for sale to commemorate individuals or events. They may be souvenirs, devotional, or purely artistic. Medals are generally not used as currency or for exchange.

Exonumia collecting

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Exonumia collectors, like coin collectors, are attentive to condition and rarity, as well as to history, form and type. Exonumists may collect items by region, topic, type, shape or material and this affects the ways tokens are documented.

The following categories are typical. This is not all-inclusive but is a sampling of the wide variety of exonumia.

By type

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Modified/augmented:

  • Love Token: A coin with hand engraving, generally on one side, or deliberately bent.
  • Carved Potty coins: usually United States Seated Liberty coinage carved to show lady Liberty sitting on a chamber pot.
  • Hobo nickels: Initially, hand-engraved Buffalo nickels mostly in the era 1913–38. Now, applied more generally to hand-engraved coins of different denominations.
  • Counterstamped/countermarked or chopped coins (done by merchants or governments)
  • Cut Coins: artistically carved creations made from genuine coins, both new and old, often for jewelry.
  • Elongated coins: Rolled out with advertising, commemorative, or souvenir designs on one side
  • Encased Coin: Generally in a ring with advertising
  • Colored or painted circulation or bullion issues
  • Short snorter: paper money signed by people sharing a common experience
  • Coin slabs: rare or sample slabs[5]
A Smokey Bear Geocoin

Play money / fantasy / counterfeit / art

Government services & non-national tools to facilitate commerce

Transportation tokens

  • Ferries and watercraft
  • Buses
  • Subway
  • Trains
  • Trams/Trolleys

Closed community / membership

  • Plantation
    • Picker tokens for crops
  • Prison and Correctional/Asylums
  • Sobriety coin
Obverse of a communion token from South Leith Parish Church

By material / shapes

Movements and ideals

Of a personal nature – personals

  • Key tags (e.g. In case lost return to …)
  • Badges
    • Company
    • Occupation
  • Hand-engraved or uniquely counterstamped coins, as pocket pieces
  • Watch fobs
A Great Western Railway pay cheque

By issuer

Medals

  • Politicians, inventors and other notables, e.g. George Washington
  • World's fairs or other expositions
  • City or state anniversaries
  • So-called dollars: medals and souvenirs similar in size to a silver dollar commemorating American historical events such as world's fairs, anniversary celebrations, dedications, battles, public works projects, etc.[7]

Modern items under the exonumia umbrella include:

By region

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China

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There are many types of Chinese exonumia, including alternative currencies:

and numismatic charms:

Germany

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Notgeld, primarily in the form of paper banknotes, was issued in Germany and Austria during World War I and the interwar period by towns, banks and other institutions due to a shortage of money.

Latin America

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Latin American coffee or plantation tokens were an important part of commerce.[8] Many plantation owners had their own commissaries and workers used plantation tokens to pay for provisions. Many tokens were made in the United States or Europe. Plantation tokens had an array of denominations and names. The name can be the owner, their relatives or the name of the farm (or finca). Tokens had allegorical symbols to identify the owner. Tokens were used as currency when there was not enough official currency available. Workers could convert the tokens to official currency on Saturdays.[citation needed]

Tokens were made in all types of base metals and alloys plus plastic, celluloid and bakelite. Unique to Costa Rica were tokens made of paper (paper chits). The word "boleto" is used in Costa Rica for the word token whereas "ficha" is used in the rest of Latin America.

United Kingdom

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Conder tokens were privately minted tokens from the later part of the 18th century and the early part of the 19th century in England, Anglesey and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

United States

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Copper trade token of Durfee & Peck, Indian traders on Missouri River in various locations, circa 1869

Rulau[4] breaks down American tokens into these general time periods:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Exonumia". merriam-webster.com. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  2. ^ Edge, Brian. "PARANUMISMATICA DEFINED". coinbooks.org. The Numismatic Bibliomania Society (NBS). Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  3. ^ "TAMS Frequently Asked Questions". tokenandmedal.org. Token and Medal Society (TAMS). Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b Rulau, Russell. Standard Catalog United States Tokens 1700-1900.
  5. ^ Hoard, Kellen (2024-02-08). "Collecting Sample Slabs". The Reading Room. American Numismatic Association. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
  6. ^ McKivor, Bill. "18th Century "EVASION" TOKENS". The Copper Corner. Archived from the original on 2022-02-04. Retrieved 2017-01-30. The laws were written to cover Regal coinage. If a coin was made that was not an EXACT COPY of the Regal coin, it was considered to be a token, and the law did not apply. Thus, the counterfeiters simply switched from making counterfeit coins to making "Evasion" token coinage that looked somewhat like the regal coin.
  7. ^ "Quick Introduction to So-Called Dollars". So-called Dollars. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  8. ^ Rulau, Russell. Latin American Tokens: An Illustrated, Priced Catalog of the Unofficial Coinage of Latin America—Used in Plantation, Mine, Mill, and Dock—From 1700 to the 20th Century.

Further reading

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Exonumia collections.
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