Some of my colleagues at the Kentucky Archaeological Survey found a token
which we have identified as a French jeton in an early nineteenth century
context in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.  This is the only one that we know
of that has been found in Kentucky and perhaps the region.  We would like to
know where else these artifacts have been found archaeologically and about
their context.  Also, we are looking to explain why it was there and what
its value might have been to someone on the frontier at that time.  If
anyone has found or knows where jetons have been found previously, we would
greatly appreciate some information.  Here is a description of the jeton
that we found.

 

The jeton is French but manufactured in Nuremberg. The token is brass with
gold plating. The obverse contains a bust of Louis XVI surrounded by the
Latin phrase Ludovicus decimus-sextus Dei gratiâ Franciœ Navarrœ Rex. The
image on the reverse face portrays Diana with a bow (on left), hunting dog
(center), and trees (on right). The phrase Rech Penn is also stamped on the
upper part of the reverse. The rim of the token is decorated with a grano di
riso (grains of rice), or hashed, pattern. Based on the identifiable
decorative elements, we think this jeton was likely manufactured sometime
between 1774 and 1791. 

 

 

Thanks,

 

Jay

 

M. Jay Stottman

Staff Archaeologist

Kentucky Archaeological Survey