English Halfpenny Token

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Date:1795

Description:

English copper halfpenny token, 1795

Diameter 28mm

The obverse features the bust of the Princess of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick. This token was probably produced to celebrate Caroline of Brunswick's marriage to the Prince Regent on 8th April 1795. It would have been on her wedding day that she adopted the title Princess of Wales. 'PRINCESS OF WALES' is inscribed around the outside. The reverse features a large portcullis with a crown above. The crown is decorated with crosses pattee and fleur-de-lys and contains three plumes - this is the insignia of the Princes of Wales. The image is flanked by the words 'HALF/PENNY' and the date is below. 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.

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Donor ref:LEAMG : M995.1926.337 (66/16827)

Source: Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

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