Summary
1/2 Penny, Issued by Nova Scotia, Canada, 1840
Minted in Birmingham
Obverse Description
Head of Queen Victoria facing left; around, PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA
Reverse Description
A two-leaved thistle head; around, HALFPENNY TOKEN 1840
Edge Description
Indented cord milling
Significance
The local legislature of Nova Scotia had sought the right to issue coins in 1817 and got as far as legislation being passed in Britain (Act (57 Geo. III. c.2)) but this failed to gain Royal Assent. In 1824 they ordered tokens from a firm in Birmingham without seeking approval from the Home Office. These proved successful and further orders were made in 1832, 1840 and 1843. On 25 October 1855 they sought approval for a further issue. This was approved by the British Treasury and resulted in a new authorised issue in 1856 still using the word 'token', an indication that the metal content of the pieces was not full value.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1840 AD
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Issued By
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Denomination
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Material
Copper
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Axis
06
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
28 mm (Outside Diameter), 8.4 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
[Book] Bruce, Colin R. 2006. Standard Catalogue of World Coins 1801 - 1900.
[Book] Hocking, William J. 1906. Catalogue of the Coins, Tokens, Medals, Dies and Seals in the Museum of the Royal Mint.
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Keywords