Description:
Leek (Staffordshire) halfpenny, 1793
Diameter 29mm
The obverse features the Caduceus with a bale of goods over a packing case. The inscription reads 'LEEK COMMERCIAL HALFPENNY 1793'. The Caduceus is the magic wand of the Roman God Mercury who was the protector of merchants and thieves. The reverse features two hands joined in front of an olive branch. The inscription reads 'ARTE FAVENTE NIL DESPERANDUM', 'Our skill assisting us, we have no cause for despair'. 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.