© mark240590
© mark240590
½ Penny Gloriovs III Vis - British Tars
| Copper | - | 27 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1771-1797 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Evasion tokens (1751-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 1797 |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#54613 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 88% |
Reverse
Seated figure of Britannia left, date in exergue
Script: Latin
Lettering: BRITISH TARS.
Edge
Plain
Interesting fact
The interesting fact about this coin is that it was used as a substitute for the official British halfpenny coin during a time of severe coinage shortages in the late 18th century. The Token ½ Penny was issued by private companies and individuals, known as "token issuers," who were authorized by the British government to produce these tokens as a temporary solution to the lack of official coins in circulation. The coin's design featured an image of King George III and the inscription "Gloriovs III Vis" (Latin for "Glorious is the Third George"), and on the reverse, it had the image of a British tar (a sailor) and the inscription "British Tars." These tokens were widely accepted as a means of payment and were used extensively in trade and commerce.
