British 18th Century Token?

Red-Coat

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Dec 23, 2019
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Surrey, UK
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Any ideas appreciated. It's the same diameter as a George III halfpenny, but thinner.

DSC_0042.JPG

I'm not even sure that's the right way up. The design is incusely stamped and I suspect this may have been a currency halfpenny that had worn flat in circulation and then been unofficially merchant-stamped to give it a new lease of life as a token. Nothing visible on the other side.

Appreciate any opinions.
 

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If you turn the token counter clockwise I see possibly AR? maybe?
 

I think you are right about stamped half penny, I think I see the faint outline of a head (facing left if my eyes serve me right. I know it wouldn't be KGIII then, but possibly a foreign coin?). Who stamped it and why though is beyond me.
 

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I think you are right about stamped half penny, I think I see the faint outline of a head (facing left if my eyes serve me right. I know it wouldn't be KGIII then, but possibly a foreign coin?). Who stamped it and why though is beyond me.

Thanks. It's ~28mm so, although I said "same diameter as George III", it could also be George II (which could then be even more worn). I really struggle to see any underlying detail though.
 

Good evening Red. I think you're intuition is valid. Here in Sonora the state minted copper quarter reales from 1832-38 were so counterfeited that the state simply remarked them at one sixteenth reale with a new post mark. There was a shortage of currency and a surplus of gold and miners that needed currency. At the same time there were many "company stores" that issued tokens to purchase basic goods. These tokens and forged coins worked until a new system was devised. This example may be a window into a specific regions history and needs. Now they are yours to enjoy.
 

Thanks. It's ~28mm so, although I said "same diameter as George III", it could also be George II (which could then be even more worn). I really struggle to see any underlying detail though.
Now I'm looking at it and seeing a face looking the other way. Just ignore me. :laughing7:
 

Its a counter-stamped blank (worn) copper coin.(Halfpennies were the most popular choice) Very hard to ID the makers counter-stamp. (common in the 19th C, started a little earlier)
 

Its a counter-stamped blank (worn) copper coin.(Halfpennies were the most popular choice) Very hard to ID the makers counter-stamp. (common in the 19th C, started a little earlier)

Thanks Crusader.
 

Cool old copper and interesting markings! :occasion14:
 

Thats awesome I like tokens more than most silver Thats a beauty great way to add to your collection
 

so many maverick counterstamp tokens out there, always a fun find
I've probably found a dozen that have never been attributed, although it's always a fun challenge!
good find
 

Nice find and a keeper.
I'd rather dig a counter stamped, or an altered coin, than just a run of the mill drop/lost piece of early coinage.
It gives it an extra special snap. (That just my feeling now after 50yrs+ of dirt digging)
 

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