| Description | This sub-series is comprised of index cards recording the specification (typically the blank diameter, struck diameter, the weight, gauge, alloy and edge detail) of tokens manufactured by the Birmingham Mint. The majority of the index cards have samples of the tokens attached. The tokens were produced for use in casinos, amusement arcades, gaming machines, vending and other slot machines.
The specification cards appear to have been arranged by the token diameter whilst in use at the Birmingham Mint and this original order has been retained in the archive catalogue.
The series includes:
- tokens with a flat face
- 'Rimkey' tokens - those with an indented ring around the rim
- tokens with one or two grooves across the face
Specification cards for 'Rimkey' tokens are typically identified using the abbreviation 'R/K'. Specification cards for grooved tokens are marked 'D1', 'D2', D4' and so on. 'D1' represents tokens with a single-groove across the middle of the face. The abbreviation 'SC' appears to represent tokens with a single groove across one side of the token only. For double-grooved tokens, the figure 'D2', 'D4' e.t.c appears to represent the distance between the two grooves.
Some specification cards in the sequence are accompanied by corresponding metal keyplates (sheets of metal with a slot for the token) which appear to have been supplied by the customer and were used by the Mint to check the dimensions and size of the tokens. |