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1/2 Penny Speed the Plough
| Issuer | Prince Edward Island |
|---|---|
| Year | 1859-1860 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | CCT#PE-5, Breton His#917 |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Central field displays a single-furrow agricultural plough in profile, facing right, depicted in low relief with clearly delineated beam, handles, and share. The design is framed by a beaded border. The legend SPEED THE arcs across the upper field, while PLOUGH appears in raised block Latin lettering along the lower field, evoking the agrarian character of Prince Edward Island's economy. |
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| Additional information |
Prince Edward Island operated without a formally chartered bank until 1855, leaving the colony dependent on a chaotic mix of Spanish, American, and British coins supplemented by merchant tokens. The "Speed the Plough" coppers were issued by the colonial government specifically to address that shortage — one of the few instances of a British North American colony issuing official halfpence under its own authority rather than relying on private token issuers.
The pieces were struck in Birmingham by Ralph Heaton & Sons. Circulation was heavy enough that worn survivors are the norm.