Toy Coins & Boxes

The title "Toy Coin" has become an all embracing heading for items that look like "real coins" - coins of the Realm - but are not or were not "spending money".  The generally accepted view is that "Toy" is of miniature size and an imitation.  There are plenty of sub divisions, for the specialist, but by far the largest series and those most usually found are a huge selection of miniature imitation coins of actual currency.

There were several issuers but the firm of Lauer, of Nuremberg, Germany, were the main engravers and strikers of miniature replica imitation currency coins, usually between 12mm and 14mm in diameter, for many countries from about 1880 until about 1950.  The largest issue was for Germany, followed by Britain, followed by most of Europe, Scandinavia and the USA.  The metals used were brass for the gold denominations, iron - usually thinly plated for protection - for the silver denominations, but sometimes zinc or nickel, and copper for the copper denominations.

The purpose of these coins was to show off the engraving expertise of the firm and act as advertising for their business, for sale as toys for children and for dolls houses, for educational and teaching purposes and as specific promotional items for other businesses.  The coins and denominations of several countries are now very rare and hard to find.  The iron / silver coins usually have had the plating worn off over time leaving a dull finish followed eventually by rust and to find a "brilliant" piece is now quite rare.

Most sets were originally issued in boxes, some round, some rectangular, mostly iron, and even paper and pasteboard / cardboard.  These boxes are now rare and expensive with prices generally starting at about £40.

Illustrations:

Useful References and Links:

With the publication of the first book on these coins, "Toy Coins" by Rogers in 1990 there has been a large increase in the number of new collectors for this vast series of miniature coins.  For details of the 270 page book and price please contact the printers - Galata Print on 01691 648765

David Magnay