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2020-34, Token
Communion Token of the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston
2020-34, Token

Communion Token of the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston

Date1800
Maker Unidentified
OriginAmerica, South Carolina, Charleston (possibly) and England
MediumSilver
DimensionsDiameter: 28 mm Weight: 110.5 grains, 7.16 grams
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Lasser Numismatics Fund
Object number2020-34
DescriptionDie-struck engraved silver token with Latin legends and a depiction of the biblical "burning bush" on one side and a communion table on the other.
Label TextStemming from earlier European practices, the use of church tokens in 18th century America was very limited. Amongst the most widely known today are those issued by two New York congregations. While the tokens made in 1799 for the Associated Church of New York City were made of pewter or lead, those for the First Presbyterian Church of Albany were overstruck on worn out copper coins. There is some debate as to how these tokens were used, either for communion purposes or to enhance the collection plate.

Standing in stark contrast to those northern base metal issues are the beautifully made silver tokens created for the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston, South Carolina. Each was hand engraved with a scene of the "burning bush" as Moses saw it, and a communion table set with bread on a patten and a chalice, presumably filled with wine. Engraved around its highly raised edge is the name of the church and the date 1800.

The complexity and thoughtful design tell us much about the institution which commissioned, used, and cherished this unique set of tokens. Between the edge inscription and the appearance of the "burning bush" emblem of the Scots Presbytery, there is no mistaking to whom they belonged. Distributed in advance to worthy congregants and redeemed during the communion service, these silver tokens remained with the church and were used for more than fifty years.

According to 19th-c. numismatic sources and church tradition, 300 silver tokens were ordered from England in 1800, but there is the possibility that they were only struck there and engraved locally. Doubtless some would have gone astray over the years, many were still amongst the church silver in 1861 when Charleston became the flashpoint of the Civil War. Sent to Columbia, SC for safekeeping, some of the congregation's valuables fell into the hands of Union troops, and it is believed more tokens went with them. These are thought to be the earliest identified issue of tokens from South Carolina and it is estimated some twenty specimens are known today.

Examples reside in the collections of MESDA (#5969) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (#33.120.574), in addition to others in private collections.
InscribedObverse: "This do in remembrance of me."

Reverse: "NEC TAMEN CONSUMEBATUR" (nevertheless it was not consumed)

On edge: “PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of CHARLESTON. S.C 1800.”