Post-Medieval — Stuart; 1648-1674
The Black Cat ? near the sign of
Elizabeth Jellus issued this trade token, worth a half penny, for her business in Upper Shadwell, London. Boyne & Williamson (1889) reference Middlesex number 185; Obv inscription: ELIZ IELLVS NEER BLACK (around field, in Roman capitals) Device = E.I. (initials in Roman capitals, in field); Rev inscription: CATT IN VPPER SHADWELL (around field, in Roman capitals) Device = HER / HALF / PENY (in three lines of Roman capitals, in field).
Trade tokens were used as small change at a time when there were few low denomination coins, which made it difficult to make small purchases. Tokens were issued by traders for their business, and would also be accepted as payment by other traders in the locality, as long as they knew the issuer and were assured that they would be able to redeem the value of the token.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- 2013.91
- Object name:
- The Black Cat ? near the sign of
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- Jellus, Elizabeth
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Stuart; 1648-1674
- Material:
copper alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- DM 18 mm, WT 1 g
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
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