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TOKEN

Unique ID: SUSS-D010C8

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Post medieval uniface cast lead alloy token. It has a diameter of 24.61mm, is 1.50mm thick and weighs 7.4grams. The token has an unusual design of a tankard over crossed tobacco pipes with possibly other pipes below and a V to the left and I to the right; the I may also be a simple glass or stemmed cup and the V a vessel of some type. Lead tokens were thought to be used for small change and keeping track of payments and debts. It is likely this token was used in a pub, probably to keep track of change or drinks owed in the same way as later copper alloy pub checks. In Leaden Token Telegraph issue 10 (published online) tokens showing tavern utensils are discussed by D. Powell. Most have a flagon and glass, only one depicts a tankard and the author suggests it is very unusual. Dating lead tokens is difficult because they are easy to make and therefore can be produced locally as needed. However pipe smoking did not become popular in Britain till the 17th century and by the late 18th century copper alloy pub checks were widely used. This suggests this item dates from (at maximum) c.1600-1800 AD. D. Powell suggest all his examples date to the 18th century.

Find of note status

This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.

Chronology

Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1800

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 3.3 g
Diameter: 19.1 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 1st March 2008

Personal details

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Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete

Jetton / token data

Denomination: Uncertain
Obverse description: Tankard on crossed tobacco pipes
Degree of wear: Worn: fine

Spatial metadata

Region: South East (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: East Sussex (County)
District: Wealden (District)
To be known as: Chalvington with Ripe

Spatial coordinates

Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land
Specific landuse: Character undetermined

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: SUSS
Created: 15 years ago
Updated: 13 years ago

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