Description:
Canadian copper halfpenny token, 1857
Diameter 27mm
Due to coin shortages in Canada the Bank of Upper Canada (modern day Ontario) was permitted to issue a token coinage from 1850. By 1873 these tokens were no longer in circulation. The obverse features a mounted St George slaying the dragon. Underneath are the initials for Rowe, Kentish & Company of London with whom the Bank of Upper Canada placed their order for the token coinage, which was struck in Britain. The inscription reads 'BANK OF UPPER CANADA' with the date below flanked by flowers. The reverse features the coat of arms of Upper Canada. Upper Canada was a British Province that officially existed from 1791 to 1841. The inscription reads 'BANK TOKEN/ ONE HALF PENNY' divided by flowers.