Since generations we are
familiar with metallic coins. We know that they have the purchasing
power; but tokens, and particularly metallic tokens, though look
like coins, have different uses. In some places they are used as
Symbols, while at other they are used as Substitutes. Here Tokens
of many such varieties are illustrated.
They can be divided into two major sections of
'Religious Tokens' and 'Non-Religious or Secular Tokens'.
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Religious Tokens are divided
into different religions viz. Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Parsee, Islamic
and Christian. Hindu Tokens are further divided as per different
deities like Ram, Hanuman, Siva, Ganesh, Krishna, Kali etc.
A special emphasis is given to present different varieties
of Ramtanka, which is a very popular Hindu Token. These Religious
Tokens bear different pictures of Gods and Goddesses. And
Hindus or Jains put them in family Puja (worship) box. |
Non-Religious or secular tokens have
many varieties. Canteen tokens issued by different cotton
mills, mints, military organizations, munitions factories
and tokens issued by different tea-coffee estates have some
monetary value and were valid in their respective areas and
estates. Advertisement tokens depict the name or logo or product
of the company on token and used either as mementos or key-chain
rings. Counter tokens, safe tokens and Commemorative tokens
of Banks, Treasury tokens, Accounts office and Stamp office
tokens are also presented here. |
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Personality tokens are the
tokens, which present the picture of historical, sports, religious,
political and social personalities. Rifle or Gun tokens are
the tokens, which were used for numbering and identifying
guns in the regiments. Dog license tokens are the tokens issued
by different Municipal authorities to indicate that required
tax for keeping the dog is paid by the owner. Two wheeler
tax tokens are also the tokens issued by the Municipal authorities
to indicate that the owner has paid required tax and he is
authorized to run the two-wheeler on the Municipal roads.
There are many other varieties of tokens,
which require mention but could not be put as a group. All
such varieties are put in the miscellaneous tokens. Jeweler
tokens of Murshidabad coin type, Political party tokens, festival
tokens etc. are represented here.
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In this section an effort is made to give a different
dimension to the subject, which has a coin-like metallic form and
can draw collectors’ attention as a good subject of hobby.
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