Story: Coins and banknotes

Kirkcaldie and Stains token

Kirkcaldie and Stains token

Between 1857 and 1881 traders issued tokens to replace low-denomination coins in times of shortages. Tokens were given as change. They were not official currency but were useful because they supported commercial activity, so the government did not stop them circulating. This is the token issued by Wellington retail firm Kirkcaldie and Stains, which closed in 2016 after more than 150 years in business. It features the Kirkcaldie family coat of arms.

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Kirkcaldie & Stains

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Coins and banknotes - Varied coins and banknotes, 1840s to 1930s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/36383/kirkcaldie-and-stains-token (accessed 20 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 20 Jun 2012