© Mt Hood Coins
© Mt Hood Coins
½ Penny Hampshire - Portsmouth / John Howard
1795 year| Copper | - | 29 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1795 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#97996 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
A female figure (Britannia) seated on a globe, facing left. A spear vertical in right hand, a shield on ground (right) on which the left arm is resting holding a palm branch. Lettering around, date in exergue, toothed border
Script: Latin
Lettering:
RULE BRITANNIA
1795
Edge
Incuse legend and engrailed
Note: varieties exist
Lettering: PAYABLE IN LONDON
Comment
John Howard, F.R.S. was born in Hackney, London on 2nd September 1726. He was a philanthropist and will best be remembered for his work on improving prisons. He died of a fever 20th January 1790.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Hampshire - Portsmouth / John Howard) 1795 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the late 18th century. The British government was unable to produce enough coins to meet the demands of trade and commerce, 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 issuer's personal credit or wealth. This particular token was issued by John Howard, a merchant in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and features a unique design that includes a sailing ship and an anchor, reflecting the town's maritime history and industry.
