© Peter M. Graham (CC0)
© Peter M. Graham (CC0)
½ Penny - John Alexr. Barry Halifax
1815 year| Copper | 6.5 g | 26 mm |
| Issuer | Nova Scotia (Canadian provinces) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1815 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound (1812-1860) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 6.5 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#76924 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 79% |
Reverse
Ship sailing right.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
Payable by John Alexr ʀ Barry
• Halifax •
Engraver: Thomas Halliday
Edge
Plain
Comment
Weight: 6.2 - 6.7gDiameter: 25.9 - 26.1mm
NS-14A1 Large bust, 8 leaves, copper
NS-14A2 Slender bust, 7 leaves, copper
NS-14A3 Slender bust, 7 leaves, brass
NS-14A4 Small bust, 7 leaves, copper, medal alignment
NS-14A5 Small bust, 7 leaves, copper, coin alignment
Cast copies exist.
John Alexander Barry was a Halifax dry goods merchant whom also enjoyed a very stormy political career.
Interesting fact
This coin was created during a time when there was a shortage of official currency in Nova Scotia, and local merchants and traders began issuing their own tokens to facilitate trade. John Alexr. Barry, a merchant in Halifax, issued these copper tokens in 1815, which were valued at half a penny. Despite their small denomination, these tokens played an important role in the local economy and were widely accepted as a means of payment. Today, they are highly sought after by collectors and are considered an important piece of Canadian numismatic history.
