Description:
Coventry copper halfpenny token, 1794
Diameter 29mm
The obverse features Lady Godiva mounted and facing left. Above is the inscription 'PRO BONO PUBLICO', 'For the Public Good', and the date is below. The reverse features the Coventry Cross flanked by the inscription 'COVENTRY HALFPENNY' and below 'COV CROSS'. 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 which became widespread during the period.