Crown Tavern Half Penny Token

A half penny brass token, issued by Thomas Blagrave for use in the Crown Tavern on Threadneedle Street in the City of London. The front features a crown with the name of the issuer around the edge. The back shows the denomination in the centre and street address around the edge.

During the 1700s there was often not enough small change, which people relied upon for day to day transactions. Many businesses created their own coins, known as tokens, to pay their staff and give to customers. This penny token was made by Thomas Blagrave, who owned a coffee house on Threadneedle Street next to the Bank of England.