This catalog investigates the historical and contemporary use of merchant tokens in Puerto Rico, detailing their role in commerce and society. The lack of circulating currency in the 19th and early 20th centuries compelled merchants to issue their own tokens as change, a practice that has evolved into modern promotional and service-specific uses. This work provides numismatists and history enthusiasts with comprehensive information on these artifacts. It extends beyond merchant tokens to include encased coins, social club tokens, transportation tokens, and military tokens, offering a broad scope of Puerto Rican numismatic history.

This catalog serves as a specialized reference for numismatists and those interested in Puerto Rican history, offering detailed information and visual aids for a specific area of historical commerce. The inclusion of rarity indexes and historical business context suggests a resource valuable for collectors and researchers alike. Its scope, encompassing various token types beyond just merchant issues, positions it as a thorough guide to a niche aspect of the island's past. The detailed descriptions and photographs aim to provide a definitive resource for understanding these historical artifacts.