Token Mould
description
This large sub-rectangular block of limestone has been utilised as a token mould.
The mould cavity comprises a well, located at one edge of the block with smooth, moderately sloping sides. At the base of the well is a circular design engraved with an equal armed cross. In each resulting quarter is a chevron, the points arranged inwards towards the centre of the cross. There is no evidence for a second part to the mould; the depth of the well/cavity suggests this was not required. The token would have therefore probably been unifaced.
The common design of a cross with chevrons in the quarters is seen on lead-alloy tokens of later medieval and post-medieval date (1400-1800). It is suggested to represent a millstone.
Lead tokens would have been produced locally and are enigmatic objects which could have served a variety of uses including as gaming pieces, weights and as payment or for small change.
Other information & metadata
Site location: Redcliffe, Bristol
Project type: Archaeological Excavation
Site type: Medieval town
Discovery context: Layer
Find reference: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, BRSMG:2018.22
Website links:
Redcliff Quarter
Living and Working in a Medieval and Later Bristol Suburbย โ OCA Monograph
Cotswold Archaeology Reports Online: Report no. 9218_1 Vol. 1
Cotswold Archaeology Reports Online: Report no. 9218_1 Vol. 2
Cotswold Archaeology Reports Online: Report no. 9218_1 Vol. 3
Collection
Artefact type
Period
Material
Location
Dimensions
Length: 113mm
Width: 128mm
Thickness: 36mm

