© numismaticroy
© numismaticroy
½ Penny Somerset – Bath / John Howard ND
1794 year| Copper | 9.62 g | 30.97 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 | 9.62 g |
| Diameter | 30.97 mm |
| Thickness | 1.72 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#53143 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
A female seated instructing a boy with a key to unlock the prison
doors.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
GO FORTH
REMEMBER THE DEBTORS IN ILCHESTER GOAL.
Edge
Edge lettering
Lettering: PAYABLE AT BANBURY OXFORD OR READING +
Comment
Note: The token is mis-spelled. Should be GAOL not GOALInteresting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Somerset – Bath / John Howard) ND (1794) coin is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the United Kingdom, particularly in the west of England. The coin was minted by John Howard, a local entrepreneur, as a private token currency to alleviate the shortage of official coins. 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 resilience of the people during times of economic hardship.
