A 1459 token especially minted for the Corn Exchange Hotel in Boston has been unearthed by a former Boston councillor.

The 1459 token - pictured at the top - was especially minted for the Corn Exchange Hotel in Boston and worth three old pennies - just over 1p in today's money.

The Corn Exchange was located where Marks and Spencer is situated today in the Market Place.

The other coin is dated 1793 and is a Wainfleet halfpenny, top, right

On one face it features Wainfleet Hall, which housed Magdalen College School, founded in 1484 by William of Waynflete.

Mr Richmond added: "The Wainfleet halfpenny features on one face an image of the hall and on the reverse a woman with a ship's anchor and a ship in the background.

The tokens are not believed to be of significant value according to Boston's Magpies Nest which specialises in collectibles, antiques and vintage items.

Owner Des Ellerby said: "Such tokens, which were privately minted, came into existence as there was a shortfall of small denomination coins for everyday transactions.

"The edge of such coins should be inscribed 'Payable at the Warehouses of D.Wright & S.Palmer'. Although the Wainfleet Halfpenny can currently be seen on the internet at prices up to £150 each but in reality actual sales over the last 12 months have seen a price range of 99p to £28.76 per token with condition being paramount. The selling prices indicates this coin is common.

"The Corn Exchange Hotel Boston 3d Token is also 19th Century although the coin itself does not appear dated."

To read the complete article, see:
Coin booty reveals history of Boston's own currency (www.bostontarget.co.uk/Coin-booty-reveals-history-town-s-currency/story-26529227-detail/story.html)