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Bath Token issues of the 18th Century. 
By Mr. S. SYDENHAM. 
(Read February rth, 1903.) 
The historic life of a city, in some degree, may be read in the 
tokens of its traders, and the token issues of Bath tradesmen 
during the 17th, 18th and roth Centuries are of interest, as a 
section of local history comparatively unexplored. 
The Bath tokens of the 17th Century were dealt with in a 
paper read some years ago by Mr. Bidgood, of Taunton, and 
although a little more light can be thrown on this issue, and there 
is also evidence that a similar medium of exchange existed in 
Bath, as at Bristol, towards the end of the 16th Century, I 
purpose now dealing solely with the Bath tokens of the 18th 
Century. 
You are no doubt aware, that in the traders, as distinguished 
from the Regal Coinage, there have been three distinct periods ; 
the first or 17th Century roughly from 1648 to 1672, when 
their issue was suppressed by Royal proclamation, the Regal 
copper of Charles 2nd taking their place, and from 1672 till 
1787 no traders tokens were struck or issued in the Kingdom ; 
the second or 18th Century from 1787 to 1797; the third or 
19th Century from 1807 to 1818. 
From 1775 until the last decade of the 18th Century the 
Government neglected to issue sufficient copper coinage for the 
rquirements of trade, and the copper in circulation had been 
exploited by forgers to such an extent that nearly one half of 
the small change was computed to be base, and many traders 
refused to receive any—good or bad. Meetings were held 
in all parts of the country. to protest against the condition 
of the currency. Petitions were presented to the House of 
Commons praying for redress, and great efforts made to stop 
the counterfeiting, but still the evil grew, and at this crisis, 
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