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. 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. They were also given to suppliers in smaller locations as partial payments. They came in denominations of 1/2, 1, and 2 loaf.
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
- ^ "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.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - 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.