Bakery token
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/2016-67_R._Marrigan_bread_token_2.jpg/220px-2016-67_R._Marrigan_bread_token_2.jpg)
Bakery token from Deseronto, Ontario
A bakery token is a form of commercial token sold by and used in bakeries in the United States and postconfederation Canada primarily in the late 19th and early 20th century.[1][2][3][4] The tokens, usually made of brass, copper or aluminum, were given in lieu of change as a way of encouraging customers to return to the store.[1] They were also given to suppliers in smaller locations as partial payments.[1][5] They came in denominations of 1/2, 1, and 2 loaf.[6]
These tokens are similar to those used in pre-Revolutionary Russia as well as the méreau used in France during late the Middle Ages and Reformation.
References[]
- ^ a b c "Bakery tokens - Canadian merchant tokens". Coins and Canada. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
- ^ "Bank of Canada Museum". Bank of Canada Museum. 2020-12-01. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
- ^ Company, Collectibles Technology (1912-03-29). "Comprehensive Research & Reference for U.S. Coinage". Newman Numismatic Portal at Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
- ^ Akin, M.H.; Bard, J.C.; Akin, K. (2016). Numismatic Archaeology of North America: A Field Guide. Guides to Historical Artifacts. Taylor & Francis. p. 174. ISBN 978-1-315-52132-9. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
- ^ Herberg, Richard F. (August 1971). "Ten Bakery Tokens of San Francisco from 1890". TAMS Journal: 149–150. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
- ^ "Canadian merchant tokens". Coins and Canada. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
Categories:
- Token coins
- Exonumia
- Breads