dastierreich:Top: Lion holding a plaque advertising the address of Pidcock’s Menagerie, Antelope, Os
dastierreich:Top: Lion holding a plaque advertising the address of Pidcock’s Menagerie, Antelope, OstrichMiddle: Beaver, Eagle (advertising the Birds and Beasts spectacle), Orange Crested CockatooBottom: Rhino, Wanderow, ElephantLike many of the tradesmen of his time, Mr Pidcock struck various trade tokens for use at the Menagerie. At that time, many minters and engravers were available to help tradesmen create token coins, both useful and decorative. These tokens could be bought at various coin stores or traded with other coin collectors. As a low-domination token (usually a farthing, a halfpenny, etc), visitors to the Menagerie could also receive one of these coins as small change, redeemable at their next visit to the Menagerie. Maybe today, somewhat similar to store vouchers?In addition to being a collector’s item and an instrument of trade, these finely engraved coins also served as advertising. Pidcock struck many different designs with various animals in his menagerie, sometimes possibly to coincide with a special showings or a new addition to the Menagerie. Also featuring prominently in Pidcock’s coins is an elephant. Some sources that it is Chunee the Elephant, one of the most famous “animal ambassador”. It brought much acclaim to the Menagerie but was treated rather poorly. It’s miserable life met a sad end when it had to be forcibly put down in 1826.Text: Fitzwilliam Museum, Token SocietyImages: ABC Coins & Tokens, Coin Search -- source link