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Iohn Rennals Token 1668

Lace Tokens. 1648-1679
   But the threat constantly impending of fine or imprisonment for religion's sake was not the only hardship the lace-makers had to endure. They were daily hampered in t heir business transactions owing to the shortage of small change. Half-pence and farthings were nowhere to be had in any convenient number. This hardship, however, was not confined to the lace-makers. The whole kingdome suffered, and then some enterpriser hit on the expedient of making his own shall change. The idea was copied and in a few years every prominent tradesman had his private mint.
    ...
    A still more interesting token, however, is that of Peter Reynoldes, of Buckingham, as it is adorned with a representation of the emblem of his trade, a piece of lace. Moreover, as his name proves, he was of Huguenot descent. On the obverse is "Peter Reynoldes" and a strip of lace; on the reverse, "Of Bvckingham, 58 P.F.R."
    Another Buckingham token of a similar character has on the obverse, "Iohn Rennals, 1668," with a strip of lace, and the initials, "I.E.R;" on the reverse, "Of Bvckingham, his halfe-penny."

Thomas Wright, "The Romance of the Lace Pillow"

17th century tokens
1) James Brierly,Olney, Buckinghamshire: This token is listed by Williamson, but he has not linked it to the lace trade. This is perhaps explained by his note at the beginning of the Buckingham chapter, where he says "The Editor regrets that he has been unable to find any collector specially interesting himself in the tokens of Buckinghamshire, and he has consequently been unable to obtain any notes on the issuers."
2) Peter Reynoldes, Buckingham: Again, presumably for the reasons given above, although Williamson has listed this token, he has not linked it to the lace trade in spite of the image of a strip of lace on it.
3) Iohn Rennals, Buckingham, 1688: Ditto.
4) The lace tokens of St. Neots, Huntingdonshire: Both these tokens are listed by Williamson. They are both "town issues", i.e. they were struck by the authority of the town council rather than by local traders. A quick Google search on the net shows that lace-making did indeed take place at St. Neots, which would explain the images. As they were not actually issued by lace traders, this would explain why Williamson has not linked them to the trade.

Dalton & Hamer's The Provincial Token-Coinage of the 18th Century

My example is the "Iohn Rennals" token of 1668. It is a very thin copper coin with a patina that can only be politely called 'aged'. The reverse is fairly readable, but the lace strip and lettering on the front is just barely discernable. Very thin, weight is 2.0 grams, and an irregular 2 cm in diameter.

first posted 3/27/2009