Acton Legion Drink Token

Artist Unknown, 1974

Nickel

33 mm diameter, :13 g

Found object

Personal collection

This item was found in the Ward neighbourhood of Guelph, over 40 years after its creation. The coin once served a practical purpose. It was once a drink token, commissioned for the opening of Legion Branch 197 in Acton. While the item has lost its monetary value, the object has survived for 40 years. This indicates that however many years ago, someone deemed it significant and worth keeping. The question becomes, why keep something if it no longer serves a practical purpose? We can now infer that the coin has value beyond its intended use. After its expiry, this item found a new purpose.

Legions across Canada primarily serve veterans and their families. My grandfather was a veteran and frequented his local Legion. This coin represents a history that is deeply rooted in Canadian communities. But now, it must find its meaning amongst a younger generation. And so, we turn to the coin’s aesthetic. Although the coin is no longer “useful”, it still retains its aesthetic appeal and appeal to the past. The coin is made of nickel, so it’s heavier than it appears. Despite its age, it retains its shine. The item was evidently well-made, with attention to detail in its inscription. Even though it was only intended to be used for a two-week period, a lot of effort was invested into its appearance, which lasted through the decades, even after the monetary value expired. This results in an appreciation for the coin’s aesthetic, which may explain why it was kept past its expiry.

The coin represents a distinct moment in time. It celebrates two events for Acton: the opening of the legion and the community’s centennial. As contemporary spectators, this item calls back to the past while occupying our present moment. It brings what feels like the distant past closer to the viewer. The coin is an item of yesterday that, when placed in the present, becomes something new. It presents the past by honouring the legion in Acton. But it also serves a new purpose as a beautiful object, kept and valued for its aesthetic. This coin shows how aesthetics can facilitate memory, as the act of remembering is inspired by an aesthetically pleasing artifact.

Taylor Brown