© ABC Coins & Tokens
© ABC Coins & Tokens
½ Penny Middlesex - Thomas Hardy
1794 year| Copper | 7.98 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 | 7.98 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#86164 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 79% |
Reverse
Legend across six horizontal lines
Script: Latin
Lettering:
ACQUITTED
BY HIS
JURY
COUNSEL
HON. T. ERSKINE
V. GIBBS ESQR
Edge
Plain
Comment
This token commemorates the acquittal of Thomas Hardy, tried for high treason, in November 1794.The treason trials of 1794, arranged by William Pitt's government, were initiated to curb the British radical movement of the 1790s. Over thirty radicals were initially arrested; three of them were actually tried for high treason: Thomas Hardy, John Horne Tooke and John Thelwall. Out of distrust of government policy, they were acquitted by three independent juries in November 1794, to the great satisfaction of the public. The treason trials were an extension of the sedition trials of 1792 and 1793 against reforming parliamentarians in England and Scotland. (Source: www.wikipedia.org)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Middlesex - Thomas Hardy) 1794 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe currency shortages in the country. The coin was minted privately by Thomas Hardy, a merchant, and was used as a substitute for the official copper coins that were in short supply. Despite being issued by a private individual, the coin was still accepted as legal tender and remained in circulation for many years. This fact highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of the people during times of economic hardship.
