Seventeenth century tokens were in use from about 1648 to 1672. They are usually copper or brass farthings and show the name of the merchant or town issuing them. The tokens relieved a need for small change in everyday transactions among the working class and rural citizens.The tokens are often crudely made but have a primitive charm about them. There are hundreds of varieties, and a decent common token sells for about $20.
The standard reference is TRADE TOKENS ISSUED IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY by Boyne, edited by Williamson.This book is expensive and hard to find.......out of print but much easier to find are 2 excellent basic books by Seaby, BRITISH TOKENS AND THEIR VALUES and/or BRITISH COPPER COINS AND THEIR VALUES PART 2.
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