© ZacUK
© ZacUK
½ Penny Lothian - Edinburgh / St Andrew
1796 year| Copper | 11.1 g | 29 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1796 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 11.1 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Thickness | 1.2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 1797 |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#79298 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
Reverse
The Arms of Edinburgh (shield with Edinburgh castle walls, anchor and rope above), thistle wreath below. Lettering around, toothed border
Script: Latin
Lettering: EDINBURGH HALFPENNY
Edge
Plain with lettering
Lettering: PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONDON OR BRISTOL
Comment
This has the fictitious date 1796 and is sometimes changed to a more contemporaneously plausible 1792 date.Listed in DH as a counterfeit.
'Nemo me impune lacessit' was the Latin motto of the Royal Stuart dynasty of Scotland, from at least the reign of James VI when it appeared on the reverse side of merk coins minted in 1578 and 1580.
On the Coat of Arms: The castle represents Edinburgh Castle (historically known as the "Castle of the Maidens"), and is Edinburgh's principal landmark. The crest, an anchor, represents the Lord Provost's position as Admiral of the Firth of Forth.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Lothian - Edinburgh / St Andrew) 1796 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in Scotland, particularly in the city of Edinburgh. The coin was minted by a private company, the Lothian Bank, to address the shortage of small change in circulation. This coin is a rare example of a privately minted token that was accepted as legal tender in a specific region, highlighting the resourcefulness and adaptability of the people during times of economic challenge.
