Description
Walsall Penny Token, 1811
Date & Place:
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1811, Walsall (Staffordshire, England).
Issuer:
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Issued by a local merchant or association of traders during the provincial token boom (c. 1797–1817).
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These tokens were used locally for small change during the copper shortage in the Napoleonic Wars.
Metal / Size:
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Copper, ~33 mm diameter, penny size.
Design
Obverse:
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Legend: usually “WALSALL TOKEN 1811” around the rim.
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Centre motif varies: often shows a local emblem, crest, or industry-related symbol (leatherworking, coal, or iron — Walsall was an industrial town).
Reverse:
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Large central inscription: “ONE PENNY TOKEN”.
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Sometimes surrounded by a wreath, beaded border, or simple circular line.
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Some versions note “PAYABLE AT …” for a local merchant.
Edge:
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Varieties: plain or inscribed edges, sometimes lightly engraved.
References:
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Catalogued in Dalton & Hamer and Davis’ 19th Century Token Coinage.
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Listed under Staffordshire tokens, 1811 issues.
Historical background
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The token was issued locally to address small coin shortages.
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Walsall was a growing industrial town (leather & metalwork), and many merchants issued their own copper tokens to facilitate trade and pay workers.
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Like other provincial tokens, it circulated widely locally but not nationally.
