The alms token was a subcategory of token coins used in the Middle Ages that served multiple purposes: bookkeeping, payment, gaming, and the distribution of aid to the poor. Indeed, during the Ancien Régime those "Méreaux de distribution" functioned as exchange tokens redeemable for food, money and other basic necessities provided for the most destitute.

Usually made of lead, copper, tin, brass, or silver, these tokens were most often cast in moulds, though more rarely they were struck with a die.

The alms tokens could be struck by the Poor Tables or the Holy Spirit Tables, as well as by private foundations.

They bear witness to the social and religious networks of charity in pre modern Europe.

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