Welsh Journals

MISCELLANEA A HALFPENNY TOKEN FROM MONTGOMERY During excavations in Pool Road, Montgomery (Grid ref. SO 2231 9681), undertaken in 1984 by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust', a halfpenny token was discovered in the topsoil, which has proved to be of particular interest. It was issued by Charles Lloyd of Newtown in 1669 and appears to be the only extant example of his tokens. A brass token issued by Charles Lloyd in 1657 was exhibited at the Powysland Club in 1870 but has since been lost2. Unlike the majority of Welsh tokens which tend to be circular, or very occasionally octagonal, the token from Montgomery is heart-shaped. Apart from this unusual feature the token comprises all the usual elements3. The name and abode of the issuer, an expression of value and the date of issue appear on the obverse in block lettering. The characters of the inscription are exactly reproduced, but not always precisely aligned, which indicates that the design on the token was produced on the original die with the use of individual punches. The token would then have been struck onto strips of metal, and then stamped out with a punch4. Despite its fairly worn condition, the arms of the Grocer's gild and what are assumed to be the initials of the issuer can be distinguished on the reverse of the token (Fig. 1). Figure 1. The Token. Scale 2:1. Drawing by W. Britnell. There appears to be contradictory evidence on the token itself and in the documentary sources, regarding the trade of Charles Lloyd. In his will, written in April 1675, he is described as "Charles Lloyd of Newtown, Mercer"5, whereas the token displays the arms of the Grocer's gild. This apparent discrepancy can be explained by the rather loose interpretation of the term "mercer" during this period; as a definition of 1696 suggests: "in the City one that deals only in silks and stuffs; in the country towns one that trades in all sorts of linen, woollen, silk and 'I am indebted to Jenny Britnell, who directed the excavations, for allowing me to publish this information. 2J. Pryce Davies, Mont. Coll., Vol. 3, p xxx. These are listed in G.C. Boon, Welsh Tokens of the Seventeenth Century. 1973, p 23-24. 4ibid. p 28. '"Early Montgomeryshire Wills at Somerset House", Mont. Coll., Vol. 26, p 1-2.