Token, trade token

Trade token found on an archaeological excavation on the site of Winchester Palace on Clink Street in Southwark. Trade tokens were used as small change in the mid 1600s, a time when there were few low denomination coins, which made it difficult to make small purchases. They were issued by businesses like pubs and coffee houses. Tokens usually have the name of the owner on them, the name of the business and its location, such as 'Robert Hayes at ye coffee house in Barbican'. In the centre of the token is normally an image relating to the business, such as a set of candles if the owner was a candle maker. This token is quite corroded so it is hard to read the inscription.