Catalog
| Issuer | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1813-1814 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound (1812-1860) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 19.5 g |
| Diameter | 33.6 mm |
| Thickness | 2.23 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | CCT#NS-20A, Breton His#962 |
| Obverse description | Commerce seated left, holding laurel sprig in right hand and a winged caduceus in the left hand; a ship in the distance. 1813 in ex. The top half of the vertical binding cord on the bale closest to the dress of Commerce is obscured by her dress. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | TRADE & NAVIGATION 1813 |
| Reverse description | Lettering surrounding circle containing value. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | PURE COPPER PREFERABLE TO PAPER . ONE PENNY TOKEN |
| Edge | Engrailed |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1813 - NS-20A1 - 1813 - NS-20A2 - 1813 - NS-20A3 - 1813 - NS-20A4 - 1814 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 6115159670 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Nova Scotia 1 Penny, dated 1813-1814, emerges from a period of acute currency scarcity in British North America during the reign of King George III. With official British coinage insufficient to meet the demands of a burgeoning colonial economy, private or semi-official tokens like this "Non-local/Trade and Navigation" issue filled a critical void. Nova Scotia, a vital maritime province, relied heavily on robust trade, and this substantial copper piece served as essential circulating medium, facilitating commerce amidst the ongoing War of 1812 and its economic disruptions.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains unrecorded, the stylistic execution of this penny aligns with the utilitarian yet robust aesthetic characteristic of early 19th-century commercial token production, likely originating from a private British mint. The "Trade and Navigation" theme strongly suggests a design featuring a sailing vessel, symbolizing Nova Scotia's maritime prowess and economic lifeline. The artistry would have prioritized clear, functional imagery over elaborate classical flourishes, aiming for immediate recognition and conveying the coin's purpose as a facilitator of commerce.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial copper flan measuring 33.6 mm and weighing 19.5 grams, this token's high-points for wear, assuming a typical ship design, would include the mastheads, rigging details, and the highest points of the sails. Collectors should look for weakness in these areas, as well as potential softness in peripheral legends, indicative of die wear or inconsistent striking pressure common for tokens of this era. Planchet quality can also vary, with minor laminations or flan flaws occasionally present.