© JM
© JM
1 Farthing Middlesex - Social Series / Pro Bono Publico
1796 year| Copper | 2.5 g | 21.6 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | George III (1760-1820) |
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1796 |
| Value | 1 Farthing (1⁄960) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 21.6 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#322389 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Central shield bearing the Prince of Wales' plume of feathers, legend around, date below.
Lettering:
PRO BONO PUBLICO
1796
Translation: For the public good
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token 1 Farthing (Middlesex - Social Series / Pro Bono Publico) 1796 from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the country. The British government had been unable to produce enough coins to meet the demand of the growing population and economy, leading to a shortage of small denomination coins like the farthing. To address this issue, private companies and individuals began minting their own tokens, like this one, which were accepted as currency by merchants and traders. This coin is a rare example of a privately minted token that was issued during this time period, and its design and materials reflect the economic and social conditions of the era.
