Description:
Canadian copper penny token, 1857
Diameter 33mm
Due to coin shortages in Canada the Bank of Upper Canada (modern day Ontario) was permitted to issue a token coinage from 1850. By 1873 these tokens were no longer in circulation. The obverse features St George, mounted, slaying the dragon. Underneath are the intials for Rowe, Kentish & Company of London with whom the Bank of Upper Canada placed their order for the token coinage. The inscription reads, 'BANK OF UPPER CANADA' with the date below flanked by flowers. The reverse is very worn and features the coat of arms of Upper Canada. Upper Canada was a British Province that officially existed from 1791 to 1841. The inscription, 'BANK TOKEN/ ONE PENNY' is divided by flowers.