This is a preliminary listing of Connecticut Tokens known to me. I hope that publishing this list will interest others that share my "mania" for CT and other New England Tokens to contribute their knowledge to this effort. I would appreciate your listings to establish a preliminary census. Anonymity is guaranteed to those who desire it and acknowledgement to all others.

I will be adding several hundred more CT pieces - and short lists for the remaining New England states over the next few months. I will also add some extractions from early directories. I have 35 or so PRE-1900 tokens that are unlisted in Rulau. Many finds are still out there. Comments are solicited and greatly appreciated.

I have decided not to publish this listing in book form as those efforts are obsolete as soon as the next discovery is made. The cost of limited interest catalogs is high. This keeps them out of beginner's hands and the author probably ends up losing money. Electronic publishing allows continual updating and availability to the widest audience. I hope to distribute and archive these listings by low cost CD.

I will add photographs, details & rarity/census data as time permits. If you find a token of particular interest listed, please contact me and I will put it at the top of the to-be-scanned list. I also will add a sections for whatever other collecting specialties surface. Hopefully others will take on additional states and interests.

All New England tokens are scarce with the exception of the occasional small hoard found in some 60's tavern. Vermont, New Hampshire and the small Maine towns are fetching prices comparable with better known and cataloged western pieces. The only thing keeping the prices somewhat in check is the small number of New England collectors chasing these items. New England never enjoyed the great bonanza of tokens enjoyed by our more western friends. Specie was always plentiful here and the economy was sophisticated beyond the mercantile barter systems - the reason for the explosion of mid western tokens. The ever present beer check and advertising pieces are the main finds here.

I wish to acknowledge and thank the following folks who are really responsible for this undertaking:
Walt Korzick - The CT guy who I really wish could have stayed to kibbutz;
Ed Bleau (CT Valley Coin) who got me started on this craziness; and
Mary Sager - to whom I promised a CT book in the 70s.

Howard Knickerbocker - East Hartford, CT
TAMS #7532, NATCA #740