Diversity in Numismatics
Cayman Islands


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description: SILVER 1816-DATED FRANCE NOTARIES OF D'AMIENS
Grade: NGC JETON MS 62
Owner: RAM-VT
 
Set Category: Other (Diverse collecting in the style of Garrett while on a very limited budget)
Set Name: Diversity in Numismatics
Slot Name: Cayman Islands
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

French Jeton 1816 Silver NOTARIES OF D'AMIENS MS-62 Initially the primary use of jetons was as counters for use in calculation on a lined board similar to an abacus. The jeton has its roots with the Romans/Greeks and their use of pebbles or bone disks for their calculations. This was cheaper than a beadframe, although we know that the Romans also used abaci. Usually the pebbles were half bulb-shaped pieces of limestone. The Romans called them "calculi" (singular: calculus = limestone, pebble), the origin of our word "calculation." In counting the pebbles were pushed over a counter-board with lines. The counter-board was used in the same way as the counter-frame. According to medieval taste, jetons were always decorated. These decorations always had a purpose, sometimes religious, but usually related to the user or the principal. In the 16th century, jetons were mostly used to propagate political messages and to glorify the deeds of the ruler. There was such a great need to make propaganda through jetons that they continued to be struck long after jetons ceased to be used as counters. In France and in the Netherlands this new image of the jeton began about the end of the 16th century. The jeton became a small commemorative medal only suitable as a collector’s item. The development in Germany was slightly different. In the course of the 17th century the counters became smaller and smaller, for little by little they were only used as chips for card-playing. Real jetons are metallic thin flat discs and are struck like coins. The differences from coins are: the metal is generally copper or brass and seldom silver. Gold jetons are very rare. The measure is always between ca. 20 mm and ca. 28 mm. Smaller or larger pieces cannot be used as reckoning counters. The relief is always low for easy pushing and making piles. Jetons are not coins, so they never have an indication of value. All my jetons were purchased on eBay. Census – NGC does not provide population info on items such as this.

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