Instead of giving the money, that is the normal coin of the realm, which is the phrase that everyone used then, they would give them a token, and this token might be metal, might be wood, might be cardboard.

You can use margarine as a substitute for butter.

And the tokens he received as wages could only be spent at that shop.

This fluid can be substituted for glue.

This box will serve as a table.

With the token they could only go to the company shop and buy food or clothing from that shop.

My umbrella will serve for a weapon, should the occasion arise.