Montreal Agriculture Token

[Charlie P. (NY)]

The subject says it all . . . but what is it? I found similar items on ebaY and other coin sites, but nothing with the word "TOKEN" where mine says that. The others have the name of a bank. The other side usually have what appears to be roses where mine has thistle heads. Anyone have an idea of the date range of these undated things? Others I've seen go for $20 or so, but they are not as "primitive" looking as this one. I found this along the old Chenango Canal and I thought I'd hit some colonial copper until I got the dirt off the back.

I found this years ago but it is snowing today and expected to be in single digits at night all week so I won't have anything new to show for weeks or months yet. Ugh. It's either paw through my old stuff or count all the knots in the pine ceilings again.

 

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[Gypsy Heart]

http://www.latterinv.com/CanTok/index.htm

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[Gypsy Heart]

Bouquet Sou -- probably the epitome of Canadian tokens, this series is also the most widely collected. There are about 30 major varieties that had been struck in various mints in Belleville (New Jersey), Birmingham, Montreal, and elsewhere. The legend “agriculture & commerce” was popular because it is spelled the same for both French and English, thereby offending no one. Eventually, about 1837, the tokens were so numerous (and light weight) that they were eventually refused by the Banks. These are primarily attributed according to the number of leaves on the wreath and the position of the bow tying it.

http://www.glencoin.com/presentation_to_glendale_coin_club.htm

 

[Skrimpy]

It's still an old token and it's cool. You think the ground will thaw by St Patricks day weekend? I'm heading down for that weekend and am thinking about going MDing if the ground thaws. I have two spots I'd like to try and you're welcome to come along, or if you are going and don't mind me tagging along...

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Bouquet Sou -- probably the epitome of Canadian tokens, this series is also the most widely collected. There are about 30 major varieties that had been struck in various mints in Belleville (New Jersey), Birmingham, Montreal, and elsewhere. The legend “agriculture & commerce” was popular because it is spelled the same for both French and English, thereby offending no one. Eventually, about 1837, the tokens were so numerous (and light weight) that they were eventually refused by the Banks. These are primarily attributed according to the number of leaves on the wreath and the position of the bow tying it.

http://www.glencoin.com/presentation_to_glendale_coin_club.htm

Ah Ha! Much more info than I'd had before. Thirty varieties (!) would explain why I haven't see one exactly like it. Mine has on denticles around the inner rim on the "bouquet" face but slight evidence on the other. Mine also has two thistle heads, two thistle leaves and two wheat heads and four clover leaves; and none of the dozens that pop along on ebaY I have seen have that. The ebaY link inage has much different thistle leaves and no clovers! One of those collectables that could take a lifetime.

attributed according to the number of leaves on the wreath and the position of the bow tying it.

I got a very low bow tie and 17 leaves, and my berries is staggered instead of paired like the ebaY image link. As I say, I've never seen one just like this one (and I've seen a couple dozen since I've been checking).

Thanks a bunch. One down, 29 to go. Charge the batteries!

PS - disappointed no one mentioned the quarter yet.

Skrimpy. Nothing on the calendar that I see. Be glad to lead or follow. PT me when it gets closer. This week is supposed to have flurries and single digit nights - doesn't look good to clear the snow cover and frozen ground off, but just maybe. I have a potential site (where my Mom's grandfather lived & rented out rowboats along the Susquehanna in the 1890's to 1930's) and I am going to try the big sad brown eyes routine. The farm has changed hands 4 times since then and I have no other connection to the relatively new tennants, so it's a crap shoot. They got hit pretty hard in the recent floods and may be in no mood to "share" what's left.

 

[Montana Jim]

I learned two things here Charlie...

Mine has on denticles around the inner rim on the "bouquet" face but slight evidence on the other.

That the word "denticles" seems to exist, and...

... and my berries is staggered instead of paired ...

I'll just leave that one alone...

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Well I didn't figure "Inferior Rim Crenulations" would be any better of a description.

Little toothy things just inside the rim.

Definition: Denticles are small, toothlike design elements all the way around the perimeter of some coins, especially of the 18th and 19th centuries.

http://coins.about.com/od/coinsglossary/g/denticles.htm

Stick with me, kid, and you'll go places.

And I'll PT you when the second one drops.

 

[mountainplayer]

Hey Charlie P:

Cool token! And awesome condition, too. I'm jelous and just love that black coloration.

MP

 

[Skrimpy]

I have a potential site (where my Mom's grandfather lived & rented out rowboats along the Susquehanna in the 1890's to 1930's) and I am going to try the big sad brown eyes routine....They got hit pretty hard in the recent floods and may be in no mood to "share" what's left.

It will be the perfect time to hit it. If there was a lot of dirt removed it could be really good, and a way to convince them to let us do it! (ie the moved dirt increases our potential to find stuff and we will share everything we find) One of my potential spots is at a school where a fair was held about turn of the century, and there is an old mill foundation close by on a hiking trail in a town park). Only person I have ever heard of detecting there was my grandfather with his old coinmaster quite a number of years ago. Another is a private school on the Susquahanna that used to be a fair or carnival or something. I don't have permission for that one yet but I am working on it. The only other spots I know of to go are dorchester park and the Broome County fair grounds. You ever done the Afton fair grounds? They might be a good place.