© GT Foreman (CC BY-NC)
© GT Foreman (CC BY-NC)
½ Penny Norfolk – Norwich / R. Bacon
1794 year| Copper | 9.5 g | 28.49 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | George III (1760-1820) |
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1794 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 9.5 g |
| Diameter | 28.49 mm |
| Thickness | 1.89 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#53235 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 73% |
Reverse
Image of a fleece hanging by a ribbon around its belly, legend around, date below in Roman Numerals; toothed border
Script: Latin
Lettering:
GOOD TIMES WILL COME.
MDCCXCIV.
Edge
Plain with incuse legend
Note: varieties exist
Lettering: RICHARD BACON COCKEY LANE.
Comment
When tradesmen began issuing tokens in the 17th century they used images that were easily identifiable as signs of their trade. The image of a hanging sheep or fleece was a symbol for traders in wool. There was a large market place at Norwich so the castle and fleece were natural images for a token. Cockey Lane was a lane in Norwich leading north from London Street. The present keep of the castle was built in 1120 and was used as a Royal Palace. From 1220-1887 it was used as a jail. Today it is a museum and art gallery.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Norfolk – Norwich / R. Bacon) 1794 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the country. The coin was minted privately by Robert Bacon, a merchant in Norwich, as a way to address the lack of small change in circulation. This coin, along with other privately issued tokens, helped to fill the gap in the currency system and facilitate trade in the region.
