© ZacUK
© ZacUK
½ Penny Somerset – Bath / W. Gye
1794 year| Copper | 9.12 g | 29 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 | 9.12 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Thickness | 1.2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 1797 |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#109408 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Beaded circle containing a seated female (Benevolence) right directing her messenger left to open a prison gate. In foreground are some urns, and in the sky is radiating lettering
Script: Latin
Lettering:
REMEMBER THE DEBTORS IN ILCHESTER GOAL *
GO FORTH
Engraver: Thomas Wyon the Younger
Edge
Plain with lettering
Lettering: PAYABLE AT W. GYE'S PRINTER BATH X · X
Comment
Scarce William Gye's Bookseller Bath (Somerset) copper Conder halfpenny token dated 1794.Listed in Bell's "Commercial Coins 1787-1804" as "scarce".
William Gye was a bookseller, printer and stationer with a business at No. 13, Market Place, Bath. He was also Agent to the Ilchester Debtors and visited the jail weekly, hence the subject of the reverse. When giving change at his shop Gye would call attention to a container on his counter to receive donations for the prisoners.
Note the reverse has an error where GOAL should be GAOL spelling.
Manufacturer: William Lutwyche
The coat of arms includes a depiction of the city wall, and two silver strips representing the River Avon and the hot springs. The sword of St. Paul is a link to Bath Abbey. The supporters, a lion and a bear, stand on a bed of acorns, a link to Bladud, the subject of the Legend of Bath. The knight's helmet indicates a municipality and the crown is that of King Edgar (referencing his coronation at the Abbey). A mural crown, indicating a city, is alternatively used instead of the helmet and Edgar's crown.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Somerset – Bath / W. Gye) 1794 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the late 18th century. To address this issue, many private token issuers, such as W. Gye, produced their own coins, which were accepted as legal tender in specific regions. This coin, made of copper and weighing 9.12g, is a rare example of such a token and holds significant historical value for collectors today.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 | 41200 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Penny (Somerset – Bath / W. Gye) 1794 coin.
