Knockmahon Mines (Waterford) Cardboard Tokens 1861

[DOC]

Cardboard tokens were issued by the Mining Company of Ireland at Knockmahon Mines, County Waterford, in 1861. Due to a shortage of coinage, these tokens were issued to pay their workers. It is interesting to note that the Mayfield Factory of Malcomson Brothers, who also issued tokens to their workers at this time, was located just 10 miles north of these mines.

Tokens for 6 pence, 1 shilling and a half crown are known. Here is an example of the 1 shilling token, which is numbered and signed.

[DOC]

The Mining Company of Ireland took over the operation of copper mines at Knockmahon, Co. Waterford, in 1824. This coastal area, spanning 25km between Dungarvan and Tramore in Co. Waterford, has a long tradition of mining and is now a UNESCO protected area known as The Copper Coast Geopark. The following links provides some nice background on mining in the area and some additional information about the issue of the Knockmahon Mines tokens.

https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterfor ... al-geopark

irish-tokens.co.uk/knockmahon%20mines/knockmahon%20mines%20by%20Gary%20Oddie.htm

Here is an example of a Knockmahon Half Crown token issued in 1861.

[DOC]

The Knockmahon 6 pence token appears to be quite rare. I have not seen an image of the reverse of this token.

[Mac]

There is some background information on the Knockmahon Mines, Co. Waterford, by Gary Oddie on the website irish-tokens.co.uk