Description:
English Shrewsbury copper halfpenny token, 1793
Diameter 29mm
The obverse features a shield bearing the heads of three lions, the Coat of Arms of the Borough of Shrewsbury. The inscription reads 'SHREWSBURY/ 1793/ HALFPENNY'. The reverse features a fleece and the inscription 'SALOP WOOLLEN MANUFACTORY'. 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.