Coins and Tokens of Southern Patagonia

In the course of history, tokens have been an alternative means of paying workers: at times tying the labourer to the "company store", at others supplementing a shortage of legal tender. Whatever the reason, several series of tokens were issued in southern Patagonia, mostly by large ranching companies. Also, a private gold coinage was operated for some years by the adventurer Julio Popper in Tierra del Fuego.

Materials for this album have been generously provided by Dick Hanscom, who would like to hear from readers about items similar to those shown here.

[click images to enlarge]

(1) Popper -- El Páramo
1889		  

popper gold 5g obverse

popper gold 5g reverse
(2) Popper -- Lavaderos de Oro del Sud
1889

spring hill obverse

spring hill reverse
(3) Spring Hill
after 1891		  

explotadora obverse

explotadora reverse
(4) Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego
c1896

menendez obverse

menendez reverse
(5) Primera y Segunda Argentina
1897		  

baker obverse
 baker reverse
(6) Explotadora del Baker
c1904?

patagonian sheep uniface
(7) Patagonian Sheep Farming
before 1908?		  

hotel imperial obverse
 hotel imperial reverse
(8) Imperial Hotel
after 1916?


token
token
(9) British Association of Magallanes
no date

Photo credits: Dick Hanscom (1-9)
Last updated: 29-XI-2012