1/2 Penny - Victoria
| Issuer | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1840-1843 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 1/2 Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound (1812-1860) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 8.7 g |
| Diameter | 28.4 mm |
| Thickness | 1.68 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | William Wyon |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | CCT#NS-1E, Breton His#874, KM#3 |
| Obverse description | Portrait of Queen Victoria facing left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA |
| Reverse description | Thistle surrounded by lettering. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | HALFPENNY TOKEN 1840 |
| Edge | Engrailed and plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1840 - NS-1E1 - 300 000 1840 - NS-1E2 - 1840 - NS-1E3 - 1840 - NS-1E4 - 1843 - - 300 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1252101940 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: The Nova Scotia 1/2 Penny of 1840-1843 was issued during the early years of Queen Victoria's reign (ascended 1837), a period of significant imperial expansion. As a prominent British North American colony, Nova Scotia faced a chronic shortage of small denomination currency for everyday transactions. These copper issues were specifically authorized to alleviate this scarcity, serving as essential circulating medium and highlighting the colony's practical economic needs in the absence of sufficient imperial coinage.
Artistry: The coin features a classic depiction of the young Queen Victoria on the obverse, a portrait style derived from William Wyon's widely used 'Young Head' effigy, known for its dignified yet youthful appearance. Her hair is intricately styled, often tied in a bun. The reverse design showcases an elegant wreath of roses and thistles, encircling the denomination '1/2 PENNY' and 'NOVA SCOTIA'. This design reflects the prevailing neo-classical aesthetic of British coinage, emphasizing clarity and symbolic representation.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, collectors should examine the highest points of wear on Victoria's portrait, particularly the hair over her ear and the strands around the bun. On the reverse, the central lettering and the delicate leaves of the wreath are most susceptible to abrasion. Strike quality can vary; many examples exhibit slight weakness in central details, especially finer hair strands or wreath leaf tips. A full, sharp strike across both sides, with clear definition in these areas, is highly prized.