Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="cpm9ball, post: 860971, member: 24633"]Your octagonal piece is called a jeton. They were commonly used in Europe from the 13th through 17th centuries as counting pieces much the same way that orientals used the abacus. Later on, they were used for scoring in card games and gaming like we use casino chips today. Jetons continued to be used as commemorative medalets, like yours, on into the 20th century. They can be either round or octagonal and are usually smaller than 38mm. Thanks for sharing them with us. Chris Here is a jeton that I consider one of the simpler designs. In the aftermath of the French Revolution of 1789 while the countryside was still in turmoil, the Austrian army decided it would be an opportune time to invade France and lay siege to the town of Lille. They bombarded the town for 8 consecutive days, but the townspeople refused to surrender. So, the Austrians packed up and left. In 1845, the "Column of the Goddess" was erected in the town square to honor the citizens who refused to capitulate.[/QUOTE]