A 1659 Find From England - Rat Killer Token

SaorAlba · February 4, 2009 10:22PM

Some of the themes and occupations of 17th century tokens are curiously emblematic and very descriptive of the times then. This fascinating little token dated 1659 is from Sarum, now Salisbury in Wiltshire. Of estimated 20.000 token issuers in 17th century, this is the only known token issued by an individual with a then not uncommon profession, that being a rat killer, the 17th century equivalent of an exterminator. Like many other tokens, George Godfrey's little piece here has an emblem of his profession - that being of a rat! But this is the only piece known with an image of a rat, and the only piece known that was issued by someone in the profession of being a rat killer. The extermination of vermin was very important, as it involved health and well being. Indeed, when London burned in 1666 the resultant deaths of hundreds of thousands of rats saw the demise of the annual plague outbreaks.

This piece was purchased from the gentleman who found it in a field in Salisbury late last year.