Catálogo
| Emisor | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Año | 1815 |
| Tipo | Emergency coin |
| Valor | 1/2 Penny (1⁄480) |
| Moneda | Pound (1812-1860) |
| Composición | Copper |
| Peso | 6.1 g |
| Diámetro | 25.9 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round |
| Técnica | Milled |
| Orientación | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | CCT#NS-16, Breton His#896 |
| Descripción del anverso | Thistle surrounded by lettering. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del anverso |
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (Translation: Legend in latin which means: `No one can strike me impunity.`) |
| Descripción del reverso | Ship sailing right surrounded by lettering. |
| Escritura del reverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del reverso | PAYABLE AT THE STORE OF J BROWN |
| Canto | Reeded |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (1815) - NS-16A1 - ND (1815) - NS-16A2 - ND (1815) - Proof - |
| ID de Numisquare | 3786188360 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: The 1815 John Brown 1/2 Penny token, Halifax, Nova Scotia, addressed a critical currency shortage in post-War of 1812 British North America. Merchant John Brown issued these copper tokens to facilitate daily commerce, filling a void of official small change. This entrepreneurial initiative highlights the vital role private issues played in sustaining colonial economies. The token is a tangible record of Nova Scotia's early monetary challenges and local solutions.
Artistry: The artistry of this 1/2 Penny token embodies the utilitarian, provincial style of early 19th-century colonial merchant issues. The anonymous engraver prioritized clarity over elaborate aesthetics. The obverse features "JOHN BROWN HALIFAX" encircling "1/2 PENNY," identifying the issuer and denomination. The reverse prominently displays a sailing vessel, typically a schooner, symbolizing Nova Scotia's crucial maritime trade, alongside "PRO BONO PUBLICO" and the 1815 date. This functional design communicated its purpose.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, the 1815 John Brown 1/2 Penny measures 25.9 mm and weighs 6.1 grams. High-points for wear include obverse lettering ("JOHN BROWN," "1/2 PENNY") and the reverse's mast tops, rigging, and hull details. Technical strike quality varies; many examples show planchet imperfections, weak strikes, or unevenness, especially on legends. As a copper issue, surface preservation is paramount; corrosion or environmental damage significantly impacts grading. A strong, even strike with minimal wear on the ship details is highly desirable.