Restaurant and tavern tokens served as substitute means of payment in the many drinking establishments of major cities in pre-revolutionary Russia. Coin-like tokens were an attribute of everyday life in both metropolitan and provincial restaurants, taverns, cafes, canteens, and refreshment bars. The issuance of tokens was linked to the desire of factory owners, plant owners, and operators of various enterprises to increase their profits. Workers and employees received part of their wages in tokens and used them to buy goods in shops owned by the companies. Restaurant and tavern tokens appeared in Russia in 1875 and became widespread in major industrial cities. The so-called tavern marks performed a purely service, accounting function. They were intended for internal settlements between the restaurant staff and the cashier. Having become a fashion trend and a sign of wealth and prestige among restaurant owners, tavern marks became firmly embedded in Russian everyday life and gained nationwide distribution. Similar tokens were issued by restaurants, clubs, refreshment bars, taverns, cafes, and other drinking establishments.
Tavern token 1 Kopeck.
