Miner's token

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Miners entered the mine each day with a number assigned to them. As each tub filled up at the face, either by one miner or two working together, a token was attached so that when it was weighed on the surface, the exact amount could be attributed to that specific number. When payday arrived, whether weekly or biweekly in earlier times, the earnings per ton were paid out directly to the corresponding number. The duo of miners then split the money evenly between themselves. Skilled hand jumper drillers typically produced 4 to 5 tons per shift, earning rates ranging from one shilling to as low as 1/10d per ton. With six shifts producing around 27 tons at a rate of 1/6d per ton, a miner could earn £2 0s 6d (approximately £250 in today's currency), minus deductions for gunpowder costs, sick club fees, union dues and other expenses. In later years, additional tokens were introduced to track who was underground at any given moment.