Counting tokens

Counting tokens are systems of tokens used in gambling. When a gambling facility such as a casino requires players to not use currency upfront (usually for security reasons, or simply as shorthand), these systems are employed in its stead. They represent monetary values in an abstract, easily readable form. In modern times these systems are largely varied, but usually regulated by associations such as the AGSO to maintain a fair and level playing field.

History

Historically, counting tokens originated as usually wooden or clay playing pieces used for tracking scores in games like pith. At this point, they had no monetary value and were simply used to track lawr or whichever scoring system a game uses. They were easily manufactured and essentially worthless. Beginning from the 1400s, with a gambling culture on the rise in the Orddonach, counting tokens began taking the form of easily minted but extremely varied metal plates resembling real currency, which varied depending on which establishment they were commissioned by, or which manufacturer was minting them. These metal plates were usually made with cheap alloys with enough inclusions from more valuable metals to be distinguished by colour, weight and composition.

Early Asconian Republic era counting tokens (~1530)

Main material	Copper			Iron			Gold plated
Appearance
Value	1 wenen	3 wennä	6 wennä	10 wennä	30 wennä	60 wennä	100 wennä

Modern systems

AGSO tokens

The Anidonian Game Standards Organisation (AGSO) is the international body governing over most of the Anidonian Union. Its tokens are long and flat, somewhat resembling tongue depressors, and correspond to values in Anedds. They are standardised in the following manner (numbers are in duodecimal):

• Tokens are organised in colour-coded groups of three:
  • Under-10s: 1, 3, 6; white with red markings.
  • 10s: 10, 30, 60; red with white markings.
  • 100s: 100, 300, 600; yellow with red markings.
  • 1000s: 1000, 3000, 6000, black with white markings.
• Patterns are organised by multiples:
  • Non-multiplied units receive either no markings (1, 10) or triangular notches on either end (100, 1000).
  • Multiples of 3 (3, 30, 300, 3000) receive circular markings on either end.
  • Multiples of 6 (6, 60, 600, 6000) receive stripe markings on either end.
• Every token is furthermore given its value in plain lowercase numbers in the centre.
• Markings and values feature identically on both the obverse and reverse of the tokens.

AGSO tokens

Group	Under-10s			10s			100s			1000s
Appearance
Value	₳1	₳3	₳6	₳10	₳30	₳60	₳100	₳300	₳600	₳1000	₳3000	₳6000

BGS tokens

The Bahlian Gaming Standards (BGS) tokens are prolific around the southeastern Orddonach (incl. Hermia and Bahl) as well as Vugonesia and most of the global south. They are rectangular, specifically with a ratio of 2×3, and usually made of plastic, clay, or a composite material. Standards are as follows:

• Tokens must have a mainly white body, with the colour palette restricted to white, black and red.
• Tokens are organised in shape-coded groups of three:
  • Dots: 1, 3, 6.
  • Triangles: 10, 30, 60.
  • Squares: 100, 300, 600.
  • Stripes: 1000, 3000, 6000.
• On the short sides, they must have patterns resembling those in the centre for easy tracking at a glance.

Group	Dots			Triangles			Squares			Stripes
Appearance
Value	1	3	6	10	30	60	100	300	600	1000	3000	6000

BGS tokens also enjoy some popularity in colourblind communities, including those of Anidon, since they find their shape marking scheme more easily readable at a glance than AGSO tokens' colour-based scheme.