Zendingstokens

Zendingstokens, often translated as "mission tokens" or "missionary tokens," are a historical type of scrip or token used in religious missionary contexts. These tokens served as a form of internal currency or credit within a mission station or a specific religious community. They were typically issued by the mission itself to members or workers and could be redeemed for goods, services, or provisions offered by the mission. The use of zendingstokens was common in various mission fields, particularly during the colonial era, where they facilitated trade and economic activity within isolated or self-sufficient mission settlements.

The purpose of zendingstokens was multifaceted. They helped to manage resources, provide a means of exchange where conventional currency was scarce or impractical, and often served as a way to remunerate individuals for their labor or participation in mission activities. In some instances, these tokens were also used to track attendance at religious services or to reward good behavior, thereby reinforcing the mission's social and religious objectives. The design and denomination of these tokens varied widely, often featuring religious symbols or the name of the mission society.

The circulation of zendingstokens was generally limited to the mission community. They were not intended for use in the wider economy. Their existence reflects a unique economic system developed within specific religious organizations to support their outreach and development efforts. As modern economies evolved and standard currency became more readily available in mission areas, the use of zendingstokens gradually declined and are now primarily of historical and numismatic interest.