© PCGS
© PCGS
½ Penny - Machin’s Mills
| Copper | - | - |
| Issuer | New York (United States (pre-federal and private/territorial)) |
|---|---|
| Issuing entity | Machin's Mill |
| Period | Confederation Period (1781-1789) |
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1747-1788 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Copper |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#342145 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 83% |
Reverse
Britannia seated and facing left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: Britannia 1788
Comment
These were made in New York at Machin’s Mills and might have been backdated. These are counterfeit British half pence but due to historical impact these had they have been considered American coins.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Machin's Mills 1747-1788 Token ½ Penny is that it was issued by a private company, the Machin's Mills Company, which was established by a group of wealthy merchants in New York to operate a sawmill and gristmill in the area. The token was used as a form of currency by the company to pay its workers and suppliers, and it was also accepted by local merchants as a means of exchange. This token is a rare example of a private currency issued in the United States before the establishment of the federal government and its mint.
