The provincial token-coinage of the 18th century

In 1775, the production of copper coins ceased in Britain, exacerbating the problem of a lack of small change in circulation.  The shortage of small denominations became a problem for the local economy.

To solve the problem, a mining company in North Wales began manufacturing copper tokens, representing a penny and a half-penny. They proved incredibly popular and other companies followed suit. As a result, a huge number of provincial tokens entered circulation.

This guide, written in 1915 by R. Dalton and S. H. Hamer, is based on the research of James Conder, who in 1798, wrote "An arrangement of Provincial Coins, tokens, and medalets issued in Great Britain, Ireland, and the colonies, within the last twenty years, from the farthing to the penny size". The tokens he describes are often referred to as Conder Tokens.

The guide is available to view online for free at the weblink below