© austin2004 (CC BY)
© austin2004 (CC BY)
½ Penny Sussex - Brightelmstone / W. Mighell
1796 year| Copper | 6 g | 27 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1796 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 6 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#78785 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Central date with lettering above and below
Script: Latin
Lettering:
BRIGHTELMSTONE
* 1796 *
HALFPENNY
Edge
Plain
Comment
This hard-to-find Brightelmstone halfpenny was struck for a Sussex merchant, W Mighell, in the town of Brightelmstone, now swallowed up by modern Brighton. There was a lot happening in this part of Britain at the time. Being close to the coast, the area housed several major staging posts (camps) for Britain's forces getting ready and training for perceived major military threats on the near European theatre, Bonaparte being on the warpath. These particular tokens were never particularly well-struck in the first place and also didn't wear well when put into circulation.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Sussex - Brightelmstone / W. Mighell) 1796 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 merchants and traders issued their own tokens, like this one, which were accepted as currency by the local community. This coin's design features the image of a sailing ship on the obverse (front) side, symbolizing the importance of trade and commerce in the region.
