Advertising tokens

Copper alloy tokens with a gold-coloured surface and a variety of head profiles and inscriptions.

For example, some tokens have the inscription 'J.SAINSBURY PROVISION MERCHANT OPPOSITE WEST CROYDON STATION' on one side and heraldic shield and inscription ' WHOLESALE DEPOT LONDON N.W' on reverse. Others have the inscription 'J SAINSBURY DEALER IN POULTRY & GAME SEVEN SISTERS RD', 'J. SAINSBURY PURE BUTTER ARRIVALS DAILY SEVEN SISTERS RD N', 'J SAINSBURY HIGH CLASS PROVISION MERCHANT SEVEN SISTERS RD N' or 'J SAINSBURY SPECIAL DELICACIES TABLE SEVEN SISTERS RD N' on one side and heraldic shield and inscription 'J SAINSBURY CHIEF DEPOT BLACKFRIARS' on reverse. One has head profile and inscription ' J. SAINSBURY FOR BEST PROVISIONS' on one side and heraldic shield and inscription 'M.B.F.ET.H.REX F.D.B.ET.L.D.S.R.I.A.T.ET.E.1798' on reverse. Most are in the original boxes they were sent to the shops in.

These tokens were imitations of the 'spade guinea' dating from the reign of George III and were usually made to commemorate the opening of a new branch. Several designs were issued between 1882 and 1913.