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Coins: Love ‘tokens’ of affection
Reaching the peak of popularity in the Victorian Era of the late 1800s, “love tokens” were altered and personalized coins, often crafted of solid silver dimes, gifted by lovers to their sweethearts.
When fashioning a love token, first the obverse side was ground flat, leaving the coin’s face intact. Then letters, words, or other significant symbols to the relationship were engraved on the flat side. As a sign of commitment and to link the lovers together, the man would usually have his initials engraved on the coin and gifted to the woman. Other popular symbols included full names, important dates, significant locations, and quotes. The rarest love token coins had engraved images or featured gemstones or enamel. Every aspect was carefully considered and had symbolic meaning to the lovers.
Since each token was personalized, one could not just be returned if a relationship didn’t last. It was considered an insult to give it to another woman. If a couple parted ways, the token was usually hidden away in a hope chest, and some women had stashes of love tokens by the time they were married or passed away.
During the American Civil War, soldiers would engrave their initials into a coin to be mailed to their sweetheart or carry it with them until they returned home from battle. Love tokens were often found in the pockets of deceased Union and Confederate soldiers, proving the love that soldiers held onto through years of war.