Catalogue
| Émetteur | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Année | 1815 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Valeur | 1/2 Penny (1⁄480) |
| Devise | Pound (1812-1860) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Poids | 6.1 g |
| Diamètre | 25.9 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | CCT#NS-16, Breton His#896 |
| Description de l’avers | Thistle surrounded by lettering. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (Translation: Legend in latin which means: `No one can strike me impunity.`) |
| Description du revers | Ship sailing right surrounded by lettering. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | PAYABLE AT THE STORE OF J BROWN |
| Tranche | Reeded |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (1815) - NS-16A1 - ND (1815) - NS-16A2 - ND (1815) - Proof - |
| ID Numisquare | 3786188360 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
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.