½ Penny (Sussex - Brightelmstone / W. Mighells) ND (1796) front ½ Penny (Sussex - Brightelmstone / W. Mighells) ND (1796) back
½ Penny (Sussex - Brightelmstone / W. Mighells) ND (1796) photo

½ Penny Sussex - Brightelmstone / W. Mighells ND

1796 year
Copper - 27 mm
Description
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
Diameter
27 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#196893
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

Profile bust left, legend above.

Script: Latin

Lettering: SHAKESPEAR.

Comment

The Brightelmstone tokens were struck for W. Mighells, an earthenware dealer in the town of Brightelmstone, now swallowed up by modern Brighton.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Sussex - Brightelmstone / W. Mighells) ND (1796) coin is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the United Kingdom, particularly in the southeastern counties of England. The coin was minted by a private individual, W. Mighells, in Brightelmstone (now known as Brighton), Sussex, as a way to address the shortage of small change in the local economy. This coin, made of copper, was not officially sanctioned by the government, but it was widely accepted and used in the region. This fact highlights the resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit of the people in the United Kingdom during times of economic hardship.