© 4wheels
© 4wheels
½ Penny Somerset - Crewkerne / Sparks and Gidleys
1797 year| Copper | - | 28.8 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1797 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Diameter | 28.8 mm |
| Thickness | 2.0 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#150467 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Legend across seven horizontal lines, date in exergue.
Note: varieties exist (see below)
Lettering:
PAYABLE
ON DEMAND AT
SPARKS & GIDLEYS
LINEN & WOOLLEN
GIRTH WEB
MANUFACTORY
CREWKERNE
1797
Edge
Milled
Comment
Varieties:DH#104 Four treadles show under man's foot on obverse;
DH#105 A portion of the treadles show behind the feet of the man. Two treadles just show under man's feet;
DH#106 The G or GIRTH is under the IN of LINEN.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Somerset - Crewkerne / Sparks and Gidleys) 1797 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 companies and individuals minted their own coins, known as tokens, which were accepted as currency by local merchants. This particular coin was minted by Sparks and Gidleys, a company based in Crewkerne, Somerset, and features a unique design that sets it apart from other coins of the time. Despite being made of copper, a relatively inexpensive metal, the coin was still considered valuable and was widely used in local transactions. Today, it is a highly sought-after collector's item among numismatists.
