LOVE TOKENS

The inscribed examples are unmistakably love tokens but we should still appreciate the skill and artwork involved.

The “Bender” love tokens are perhaps not so obvious. It is thought that a young man would prove his love to his young lady by physically bending a coin in front on her. Often this was done on sixpences but occasionally we see it on gold coins and copper coins. The theory is that if the young man gives the coin to the young lady and she keeps (treasures) it, then he’s a happy soul (and hopefully so is she). If she takes it and throws it away into the field, then maybe it’s time to move on to pastures new! The old Nursery Rhyme about the man finding a “crooked sixpence” was maybe based on finding a discarded bender love token?

The “Gem-Insert” later Victorian types epitomise the sentimental Period from which they emanate.

Charles II

WCA -2569: 1670 Charles II Maundy 4d Love Token.

Typical “Bender” Love Token. £18

WCA-4622: 1679 Charles II Silver Groat. Fashioned into a love token – “HPP” with leaf design. £22.50

WCA-4850: Charles II 1679 Crown – High Grade - Love Token. T.Primo edge. Inscribed on the obverse, “W.C. 1790”. Rather unusual in that the coin had been in circulation 100 years before being inscribed and yet the condition is very good. That aside, this is a lovely example of both a Charles II crown and a commemorative, personal token. £185

WCA-4865: Charles II Drury Lane Theatre Token – Love Token. A rare Charles II copper theatre token with Charles II on the obverse. The reverse has been re-worked to read “EDWARD LEE MARIED TO MARY LEE AUGUST 11 1762”. Quality engraving – a significant piece. £225

William III

WCA -3721: 1700 William III Silver Groat. “Bender” love token that some enterprising person has straightened out and presumably used as currency. £19

George II

WG-2674: 1732 Farthing – “Bender” Love Token. Typical of the Love Tokens of the day but unusual in that it’s done on a farthing as opposed to the usual 6d’s or shillings. Maybe this suitor was financially challenged?! £19

George III

WG -3722: 1787 George III Silver Sixpence. High grade, remains of guilding and inscribed “A.H.” as a love token. £25

Victoria

WM-2264: 1890’s Silver 3d Love Token – “M.M.B.” Hand engraved. £19

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