Description:Copper farthing token issued by William Ward, Soap Powder manufacturer, West Bromwich. William Ward was a manufacturing chemist with premises at New Street.
During the 19th century it was common for publicans, licencees and shopkeepers 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 goods sold at the named shop, and they also served as advertisements for the business.
Obverse: 'WILLIAM WARD, WEST BROMWICH'. Profile of monarch.
Reverse: 'MANUFACTURER OF PATENT CRYSTAL SOAP POWDER WASHING BAKING AND EGG POWDERS & C.'
Edge milled.