Middlesex Conder Token, FOR GENERAL CONVENIENCE Copper Halfpenny, 1795

Description

Denomination: Copper halfpenny Conder token

Period: 18th century emergency issue

Date: 1795

Origin: Provincial mint. Middlesex

Condition: AVF

Obverse: Helmeted head of a bearded knight (Sir Bevois) right. inscription around FOR GENERAL CONVEIENCE. edge milled obliquely

Reverse: Shield of arms HALFPENNY TOKEN. date

Size and Weight: 28mm. 8.87g

References: Dalton & Hamer 1018

Features and Provenance: During the 1600’s to 1800’s there were often shortages of coin of the realm as a result of the inaccessibility of precious metals due to war and disruption to trade routes etc. The Bank of England turned to re-striking foreign coins when the weights were similar but traders and landowners would produce their own to act as local currency in exchange for goods or work. Tokens were produced mainly in copper alloy. lead and pewter. They sometimes displayed their name or initials of the issuer. and some have a denomination of halfpenny or penny. as does our example. They must have worked as great advertising too!

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible