What are trade tokens?

A brief description of trade tokens (also known as good for or merchant tokens) including the styles, metals and denominations.

Useful links:

Books:

[tgurlamber]

Nice video. I just got into tokens. I am a gold and silver stacker, as well as xopper. Tokens look fun. So why not. Thank you. ❤

[CALIFORNIAGREENHORNFISHERMEN]

Great video I just dug up a good for 5-cent in trade AO Smith token metal detecting it is from Big Creek California in Fresno it is a water and heating company I found it in Modesto California but it's from Fresno California thank you for the video it helped understand tokens a little more.

[charlesmartin]

Nice overview.  One thing I might add for the novice collector is that trade tokens were rarely made by the subject merchant.  There were typically made by companies specializing in token manufacture. I would be interest in learning more about this topic if you could provide additional information.

[ccww]

I think trade tokens from my local area and state are nice to collect. I started with coin collecting but I am now into local tokens. Most of the tokens in my area were from the old company stores of the mills. They are really nice to collect but probably only have meaning and value to someone in the local area. But as years continue to go by they will be more and more difficult to come by.

[ArellanoAgriculture]

My favorite is probably that green 50 cent token, I have a couple tokens but I don't have any 'rare' ones

[gloriafredsall]

I have some that are silver or maybe tin ones