The love token: a numismatic definition
A love token is a coin that has been smoothed flat on at least one side and then re-engraved with a new message. To fully qualify, it should originally have been an officially-issued, circulating coin or token—and re-worked by hand. Unlike one altered for political or advertising purposes, a coin transformed into a love token is a gift that usually does not go back into circulation.
Despite the name, not all love tokens are expressions of love. The genre also includes commemorations of important occasions, such as births, marriages and life-changing events. These pieces are really mementos but are nevertheless referred to as love tokens.
Rooted in ancient ritual
The roots of the love token may be found in the historic association money has with luck—as a medium able to carry and transfer it. From the earliest days of money, people have used coins ritually, as offerings to the gods or to ancestors to obtain good fortune for themselves or others. Remnants of these practices can still be seen scattered on the bottoms of fountains and decorative pools. Grooms have also given coins to their brides at weddings as symbols of togetherness, commitment, love and contractual obligation.
