© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Penny Currency F. McDermott ND
| Copper | 5.5 g | 23.9 mm |
| Issuer | New Brunswick (Canadian provinces) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1845-1855 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound (1852-1860) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 5.5 g |
| Diameter | 23.9 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#97405 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Script: Latin
Lettering:
F. MCDERMOTT
IMPORTER OF ENGLISH, FRENCH & GERMAN FANCY GOODS, KING ST.
SNT JOHN.N.B.
Edge
Plain
Comment
Copper & Brass.This token was a business card and their is some doubt as to whether it circulated as a halfpenny token (P.N. Breton).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny Currency (F. McDermott) ND (1845-1855) from New Brunswick (Canadian provinces) made of Copper weighing 5.5 g is that it was used as a substitute for the official Canadian currency, the Canadian penny, during a time when there was a shortage of small change in circulation. This coin was issued by Francis McDermott, a merchant in Saint John, New Brunswick, and was accepted as legal tender in the province. Despite being made of copper, the coin was designed to resemble the Canadian penny, with the same diameter and thickness, and featuring a similar design, including a portrait of Queen Victoria on one side and a crowned shield on the other. This coin is a unique example of a privately issued currency that was adopted by a community in need of a reliable medium of exchange.
