© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Penny Tiffin Token - Imitation - George III/Commerce
1820 year| Brass | 4.9 g | 27.2 mm |
| Issuer | Canadian provinces (Canada) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1820 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | 4.9 g |
| Diameter | 27.2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#144826 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Commerce seated on a bale with cornucopia under her left arm and holding scales in her right hand.
Date below the illustration.
Lettering: 1820
Edge
Plain
Comment
Weight: 4.3 - 5.5gDiameter: 26.7 - 27.6mm
BL-32A1 → Copper, Medal or Coin alignment.
BL-32A2 → Brass, Coin alignment.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Tiffin Token - Imitation - George III/Commerce) 1820 from Canadian provinces (Canada) made of Brass weighing 4.9 g is that it was used as a substitute for the official British halfpenny coin during a time of currency shortage in Canada. The Tiffin Token was a privately issued token that was accepted as legal tender in many parts of Canada, and it features an image of King George III on one side and a depiction of commerce on the other. Despite being made of brass, the coin was designed to resemble the official British halfpenny coin, which was made of copper. This coin is a unique piece of Canadian numismatic history and a testament to the resourcefulness of the people during a time of economic hardship.
