© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Penny Token Side View - Bank of Montreal
| Brass | 10.2 g | 28.1 mm |
| Issuer | Lower Canada (Canadian provinces) |
|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Bank of Montreal |
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1838-1839 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | 10.2 g |
| Diameter | 28.1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#99299 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Arms of the City of Montreal with Bank of Montreal on the ribbon.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
BANK TOKEN
CONCORDIA SALUS
BANK OF MONTREAL
1838
HALF PENNY
Edge
Plain
Comment
Weight: 9.9 - 10.4gDiameter: 28.0 - 28.3mm
LC-10A1 Left fence has 13 palings, 8 to left of tree, Copper
LC-10A2 Left fence has 13 palings, 8 to left of tree, Brass
LC-10A3 Left fence has 11 palings, 6 to left of tree, Copper
LC-10A3a Left fence has 11 palings, 6 to left of tree, Brass
LC-10A4 Right fence has 8 palings, 3 to left of tree, Copper
LC-10B1 Left fence has 15 palings, beaver's tail touches garter
LC-10B2 Left fence has 14 palings, beaver's tail does not touch garter
LC-10B3 Mule of B1 and B2, left fence has 15 palings, beaver's tail does not touch garter
LC-10A Electrotype reproductions (edge stamped with"R") exist.
LC-10B Proofs exist.
In 1838, the Bank of Montreal replaced the Habitant tokens which arrived in June of 1839. They were short-lived as the manager of the bank did not like their workmanship or weight. The shipment was returned to England for melting. The tokens dated 1939 were produced in better copper and of proper weight but were again refused by the manager as inferior to the previous issue.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny Token (Side View - Bank of Montreal) 1838-1839 from Lower Canada (Canadian provinces) made of Brass weighing 10.2 g is that it was used as a substitute for the official Canadian currency, the Canadian penny, during a time of currency shortage in the 1830s. The token was issued by the Bank of Montreal and was accepted as legal tender in the province of Lower Canada (now Quebec). This token is a rare and valuable collector's item today, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars at auction.
