New interest is moving into the colonial token field, with dealer and collector demand falling on shrinking inventories. This is not a new situation for high grade tokens, but it certainly is for the middle range, which is now experiencing the pressure. Even the low grades are being sought after to fill the needs of telemarketers. Canadian Colonial Tokens have not enjoyed so much popularity in over a hundred years.
A shortage of circulating legal tender in Canada from 1800 to 1860 forced local governments and merchants to devise their own coinage for commerce. Tokens used in Newfoundland, Nove Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Upper (East) and Lower (West) Canada are described in detail, including composition, weight, diametre, die axis, edge, and date of issue. All tokens are cross-referenced with other established numbering systems such as Breton, Courteau, Lees, Wood and Willey. A legend index allows collectors to easily identify even the most obscure token.
All prices have been reviewed and updated allowing readers to accurately value their collections. With over two hundred pages filled with information and illustrations of this unique Canadian collectable, The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Colonial Tokens is a publication no numismatic enthusiast should be without.
