Description:
Manchester copper halfpenny token, 1793
Diameter 28mm
The obverse features the coat of arms of Manchester. The banner underneath bears the words 'GOD GRANT GRACE'. The inscription around the outside reads 'MANCHESTER PROMISSORY HALFPENNY' and the date is below. The reverse features the bale mark of the East India Trading Company and the inscription 'PAYABLE AT IN. FIELDINGS GROCER AND TEA DEALER'. Tokens such as this were produced from 1787-1797 when there was a shortage of regal copper coinage. This led the Anglesey Mines Company to produce its own copper penny and halfpenny tokens, a practice that became widespread during the period.