© Steve B Red
© Steve B Red
½ Penny Essex - Chelmsford / W. Clachar
1794 year| Copper | 9.62 g | 28.5 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | George III (1760-1820) |
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1794 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 9.62 g |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#138128 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Flying dove and cornucopia, legend around
Script: Latin
Lettering: PEACE AND PLENTY
Engraver: William Wyon
Edge
Plain and inscribed varieties exist
(DH#8a shown below)
Script: Latin
Lettering: CURRENT EVERYWHERE
Comment
Engraver - Wyon. Manufacturer - Kempson. Proprietors - Clachar & Co.William Clachar, Bookseller, Printer, Bookbinder, Distributor of Stamps, Agent to the Sun Fire
Insurance Office, Appraiser and Auctioneer, at the Medical Warehouse and Public Library.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Essex - Chelmsford / W. Clachar) 1794 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the country. The British government was unable to produce enough coins to meet the demand, leading to the issuance of private tokens, like this one, by local merchants and traders. These tokens were used as a substitute for official currency and were often backed by the merchant's credit. This coin, in particular, was issued by W. Clachar, a merchant in Chelmsford, Essex, and features the image of a crown on one side and the value "1/2P" on the other. Despite being made of copper, which was a relatively cheap metal at the time, the coin still holds significant historical value and is highly sought after by collectors today.
