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I'd Love To Know What This Is/ Was: ID Is A Canadian Blacksmith Token Bl-42

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oriole's Avatar
Canada
5238 Posts
 Posted 03/27/2026  09:02 am Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add oriole to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
I'd-Love-To-Know-What-This-Is/-Was:-ID-Is-A-Canadian-Blacksmith-Token-Bl-42
I'd-Love-To-Know-What-This-Is/-Was:-ID-Is-A-Canadian-Blacksmith-Token-Bl-42

it seems to be the style of the late 1700s

Weight, 3.24 grams
Diameter 27 mm

This might be something overstruck on something else. What any of the somethings were is the mystery.

A few words, letters are clear:

...PAPER, On the rim above paper ...SHO

On the rim below PAPER: ..T..NIN

Edited by oriole
03/27/2026 8:18 pm
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Mrhakfbacon's Avatar
United States
554 Posts
 Posted 03/27/2026  10:58 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Mrhakfbacon to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
I haven't identified it thus far, but I can transcribe a few more things

That "SHO" part says SHOP
The "T...NIN" could be TURNIN or something

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Keith67's Avatar
United States
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 Posted 03/27/2026  11:21 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Keith67 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
A vise, of some kind
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tdziemia's Avatar
United States
7933 Posts
 Posted 03/27/2026  1:05 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add tdziemia to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Or a book press since it mentions paper?
Possibly a Conder?
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nickelsearcher's Avatar
United States
15381 Posts
 Posted 03/27/2026  1:20 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add nickelsearcher to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
It appears to be a Canadian Blacksmith half-penny token from the early 1800's.

I believe, from what can be seen, this is a close match for the token designated as Charlton # BL-47A2.

Here is an image I found of the reverse for BL-47A2 (albeit with some damage). With minimal searching effort I have not been able to find an image of both sides of the token.

Hopeful the classification links cited below get you a positive ID

I'd-Love-To-Know-What-This-Is/-Was:-ID-Is-A-Canadian-Blacksmith-Token-Bl-42

Following is an AI summary:

The Charlton BL-47A2 is a specific variety of Canadian "Blacksmith" tokens, classified within the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins (often abbreviated as BL for Blacksmith tokens).

Key Details for BL-47A2:

Token Type: Canadian Blacksmith 1/2 Penny token, specifically associated with the Daniel & Benjamin True types.

Characteristics: It is described as having a very thin flan (planchet) and a "screw" legend on the reverse.

Design: It often features a crudely struck bust on the obverse.

Classification: It is sometimes referenced alongside Wood-29, Rulau HT 371, and Breton 957. Comment: You can check out these other classifications for additional photos to confirm.

Appearance: Examples are often found with brown surfaces, sometimes with porosity or scratches.

Condition: These tokens are often found in "Fine" (F) to "Very Fine" (VF) condition, with some being quite rare.

These tokens were used in Canada (particularly Lower Canada/Quebec) during the early-to-mid 19th century when small change was scarce



Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art
Edited by nickelsearcher
03/27/2026 4:03 pm
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fplagge's Avatar
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 Posted 03/27/2026  6:58 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add fplagge to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

I'd-Love-To-Know-What-This-Is/-Was:-ID-Is-A-Canadian-Blacksmith-Token-Bl-42
I cannot help you with yhe Obv. side but here is an image of the reverse.
listed as an 1835 USA Hard Times token on Etsy.

Hope this helps.
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oriole's Avatar
Canada
5238 Posts
 Posted 03/27/2026  8:14 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add oriole to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Thanks, folks, this helps immensely.

The reverse image is clearly the same as the mentioned blacksmith token BL-47A as well as the hard times token.

The obverse does not match BL-47A, but both obverse and reverse match BL-42! Sadly this rather costly piece does not belong to me, at least not yet! It is interesting that my Charlton catalogue states that many of the blacksmith tokens were produced by a maker of hard times tokens in Troy, New York.

Thanks for everyone's detective work.


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jbuck's Avatar
United States
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colonialjohn's Avatar
United States
1757 Posts
 Posted 03/31/2026  7:40 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add colonialjohn to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
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