Description:A two pence tavern check issued by the White Hart Hotel, 7 Eastgate Street, Stafford, probably in the 1880s. The White Hart stood opposite the Borough Hall (now the Gatehouse Theatre) and was later demolished to make way for offices.
During the 19th century it was common for publicans and licencees to issue their own tokens or 'checks'. Most of the checks issued in Staffordshire were made by Birmingham and Black Country diesinkers and stamping workshops. They could be spent on beer or games at the pub named on the check, which also served as advertisements for the named hostelry. Often the publican's name was also stamped on the check. This meant that that it could only be spent when he or she was the licensee; a new licensee may not have honoured the payment.
Two pence token. White Hart Hotel, Stafford.
Obverse: 'WHITE HART HOTEL STAFFORD'
Reverse: '2D', laurel wreath.
Edge milled.