Description:
Scottish copper token, 1791
Diameter 28mm
The obverse features a male figure carrying a saltire, the x-shaped cross of St Andrew which also appears on the Scottish flag. The man is flanked by thistles. The inscription around the outside reads 'NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSET', meaning 'No one wounds me with impunity'. This is the royal Scottish motto, as well as the motto of the Order of the Thistle and several English and Scottish army regiments. The date is below. The reverse features a rigged ship at sea over two crossed branches, possibly laurel. 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.