Communion Tokens

Pitts Theology Library Special Collections

Communion Tokens, 1771-1938
Metal, mostly lead or lead mixed with tin.
MSS 376

Communion tokens were used in Reformed churches, especially among Scottish Presbyterians, to regulate access to the communion table (or Lord’s Supper). The communion tokens range in size, shape, and content depending on the issuing church, its location, and time period. Only those holding tokens would be able to participate in the sacrament, which generally took place twice a year. Issuing tokens allowed the ministers to ensure that those participating in the sacrament were spiritually ready to partake of the sacrament. This system of restricting access to the communion table takes seriously the warnings in 1 Corinthians against abusing the sacrament and as a result of this, many of the communion tokens even contain a short quotation from 1 Corinthians 11:28, “Let a man examine himself.” Other religious traditions offer a more open approach to the sacrament and do not regulate access to the communion table. 

Tokens on Display: 
  1. Duns, Berwickshire, Scotland, 1771 (Obverse: A C Dunse [flowers and leaves]; Reverse: Mr A D 1771)
  2. Old Macher, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, undated (Obverse: O ABD [loaf of bread]; Reverse: [blank])
  3. Perth, Perthshire, Scotland, 1807 (Obverse: Pro Rege Lege et Grege [City arms]; Reverse: Four Parishes of Perth Erected 1807)
  4. Horndean, Berwickshire, Scotland, 1807 (Obverse: Asso. Con. Horndean; Reverse: Mr. Wilm. Lee 1807) 
  5. Canada, undated (Obverse: [altar with bread and chalice]; Reverse: This Do in Remembrance of Me I.Cor.XI.24)
  6. Leigh, Victoria, Australia, 1843 (Obverse: Free Church of Scotland 1843; Reverse: Let a Man Examine Himself I Cor.XI.28)
  7. Sheuchan, Wigtownshire, Scotland, 1840s (Obverse: Sheuchan 2 Free Church; Reverse: This Do in Remembrance of Me)
  8. Bishop Auckland, Durham, England, 1867 (Obverse: U. P. Congregation + Bishop Auckland + Revd. Thos. Boyd 1867; Reverse: Ticket of Admission to the + Lord’s Table + [cross] 1 Cor. XI.24.)
  9. Edinburgh, Lothians, Scotland, 1938 (Obverse: Fairmilehead * 1938 *; Reverse: I Cor. XI.25 [chalice])

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