© ZacUK
© ZacUK
½ Penny Middlesex - Political and Social series / Tooke
1794 year| Copper | 7.9 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1794 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 7.9 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#183368 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 86% |
Reverse
Legend across five horizontal lines.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
ACQUITTED
BY HIS JURY
COUNSEL
HON. T. ERSKINE
V. GIBBS ESQR.
Edge
Plain and milled edges exist
Comment
John Horne Tooke (25 June 1736 – 18 March 1812), known as John Horne until 1782 when he added the name of his friend William Tooke to his own making his surname "Horne Tooke", was an English clergyman, politician, and philologist. At the general election of 1790, Horne Tooke came forward as a candidate for the Westminster constituency, in opposition to Fox and Lord Hood, but was defeated; and, at a second attempt in 1796, he was again at the bottom of the poll. In the meantime, the excesses of the French republicans had provoked reaction in England, and the Tory ministry adopted a policy of repression. He was arrested early on the morning of 16 May 1794, and conveyed to the Tower of London. His trial for high treason lasted for six days (17 to 22 November) and ended in his acquittal, the jury taking only eight minutes to settle their verdict.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Middlesex - Political and Social series / Tooke) 1794 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of economic crisis, specifically the Panic of 1793, which led to a shortage of small denomination coins. To address this issue, private companies and individuals were allowed to issue their own tokens, like this one, which were accepted as legal tender. This coin's design features an image of a seated Britannia on the obverse and a shield with the initials "T.T." on the reverse, representing the issuer, Thomas Tooke.
