Are "Jetons" considered to be Colonials?

jmski52 · February 10, 2012 9:57AM

I saw a Jeton today that had wonderfully glassy, glossy RB surfaces today. I forget the date, but it was prior to 1776. Would it be considered a Colonial?

COALPORTER · February 10, 2012 10:09AM

The Jetsons? I think they were way in the future ?

amwldcoin · February 10, 2012 10:22AM

If I learned the term correctly,Jetons are antique play money so they wouldn't be considered colonials.

FilthyBroke · February 10, 2012 10:32AM

I never had considered them colonials, but I've seen sellers make that leap. They were mainly minted to commemorate an occasion, a few of which undoubtably related diretly to the colonies, and could have even made it over here for a time. Most were minted in Paris by that time. I don't recall seeing a very direct link to the U.S. on a jeton yet, but there were literally tens of thousands of different designs produced over the years.

I guess it's in how you define "colonial".

MidLifeCrisis · February 10, 2012 10:49AM

I don't consider them to be colonials since they are not coins.

I don't collect them, but here's a good article about them.

Pistareen · February 10, 2012 10:58AM

How's this answer:

Some are related.

Some aren't.

None are colonial coins.

For instance, France coined a series of jetons (bronze and silver) from 1754-57 that are called Franco-American jetons. They basically promote settlement in New France with designs about the fur trade and the money to be made. Betts listed them in American Colonial History As Illustrated by Contemporary Medals and they are avidly collected. Other short series of jetons from the 18th century also have American connections.

As for the thousands of other jetons struck in the same era that don't have a thing to do with America, they're interesting and old, but they are not colonials.

Many folks consider the Washington Success tokens (listed in the Redbook) to be jetons, which is probably true. Then again, despite being listed in the Redbook and slabbed by major services, they're not colonials either.

MidLifeCrisis's link is worth reading. Basically, jetons were counting tools to assist accountants and merchants in the pre-mechanical era, though many pieces today called jetons were basically just medalets struck for collectors.

Pistareen · February 10, 2012 11:00AM

A PS: A substantial group of 16th century jetons were found within the old fort at Jamestown, which means they were being used in America as early as 1610 or so! Did they serve as money? Maybe not exactly. Are those pieces numismatic and of colonial interest? You betcha.

bidask · February 14, 2012 11:50AM

bidask · February 14, 2012 11:56AM

I love the big hand coming out of the clouds holding a water pitcher and watering the earth...

lordmarcovan · February 14, 2012 12:05PM

<< <i>Are "Jetons" considered to be Colonials? >>

Not necessarily. Jetons cover a span of several centuries, though yes, some certainly come from the colonial era.

I just sold this pretty French jeton from Bayonne (circa 1732), for a modest $75, which I thought reasonable, considering it was silver and half dollar size and probably AU, not to mention the cool maritime reverse.

I got it from FilthyBroke, who despite his passing up an opportunity to show off in his modest reply above, is quite the local Jeton Lord.

They can be habit forming.

jmski52 · February 14, 2012 12:42PM

Ah, Dan. THAT's the one I was talkin' about! It has the same look as a HalfPenny I bought last year - and then re-sold because I decided it took me too far away from my objectives.

Nice surfaces on your coin, and interesting in many ways!

coinkid855 · February 14, 2012 1:02PM

OH!!! Jetons! My bad

-Paul

Are "Jetons" considered to be Colonials?

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Are &quot;Jetons&quot; considered to be Colonials?

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Are "Jetons" considered to be Colonials?