As a token collector, that bothers me, Bruce. I acknowledge that many collectors use the word token indiscriminately for any numismatic item that isn't a coin, with the exception of decorations and manhole covers, but that makes the word sound like a garbage can. In reality, there is a huge difference between say an expensive art medal or a cheap medallion and a token, while there is little difference between a token and its paper equivalent (think of US tax tokens that may be metallic or paper).
To me. it's all about how it is used. A token is used to replace a coin. If someone uses some punches or a rusty nail to add political propaganda to a coin, the coin can still circulate as a coin, as long as you can find someone who accepts it (banks included, even though they will retire the piece). If another piece of metal is so used, I would not expect anyone to accept it as money.
Peter