Description:
English copper halfpenny token, 1794
Diameter 27mm
The obverse features the bust of George, Prince of Wales (later George IV). The inscription reads 'GEORGE PRINCE OF WALES.' The reverse features the crest of the Prince of Wales - three plumes within a crown decorated with fleur-de-lys and crosses pattee. The Welsh motto 'ICH DIEN', 'I Serve', is on a banner at the base. The date is below and 'HALF PENNY' is inscribed above. 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.