Description:
Worcester copper penny token, 1811
Diameter 36mm
The obverse features the Coat of Arms for the city of Worcester within a central ring. The Coat of Arms consists of a shield per cross divided into four with three pears in the first quarter and a tower in the centre. The pears refer to Worcester's location within a fruit growing region. The city's motto is inscribed around the outside, 'CIVITA IN BELLO IN PACE FIDELIS', meaning 'The City Faithful in War and Peace'. The reverse features the value within a wreath of olive to the left and palm to the right. The inscription reads 'WORCESTER & COUNTY TOKEN'. The Napoleonic Wars led to a shortage of regal coinage in the early 19th Century. From 1811 to about 1820 many businesses and companies produced their own token copper and silver coinage of which this is an example.