Description:
Welsh copper farthing token, 1793
Diameter 22mm
The obverse features a laureate male bust facing right. The inscription reads 'NORTH WALES FARTHING'. The reverse features a shield which bears the three plumes and crown of the Prince of Wales. There are two extended branches below. The inscription reads 'PRO BONO PUBLICO', Latin, 'For the public good', 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.