Bombay Presidency, R. Dawson & Co. Mangalore, Malabar Coast, Brass Token (2), Obv: frontiersman standing facing with rifle and axe within wreath, Rev: lettering "R. DAWSON & CO MANGALORE MALABAR COAST", 3.1g, 5.3g, 19.0mm, 24.20mm, (PR # 339), about very fine+, Extremely Rare.

F. Pridmore in ‘The Coins of the British Commonwealth of Nations Part 4 - Volume 1 has illustrated the bigger token (No. 339. Page 179). He has, however, not elaborated the token but has made reference that in the Malabar Coast quote - “Factories were on the western coast in the 17th century but the supply of specially minted or individually marked coins for local use”. The two tokens, the bigger one meant for male workers and smaller one for female workers (as female workers were drawing less wages as compared to male workers) were issued at the end of the shift to the concerned for that day’s wage. They could be redeemed for currency at any time. However, due to shortage of coinage, they were freely used as ‘currency’ in the local bazaars as the merchants accepted them since they knew the wage rates. It was more often that the merchants redeemed them with the company than the workers. These tokens were in use during the early part of 1900s.

Brass Tokens of Bombay Presidency from Malabar Coast

Brass Two Tokens of Shillong.

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