1792 Birmingham Mining and Copper Half Penny - Large copper - lettered edge!

Description

After more than 60 years of collecting coins, it is time to move my collections along to new homes. Here is one from a series of large English coppers that I have really liked over the years and had a tough time collecting some from each year dated 1791-1794. This is a tough year, 1792, a nice chocolate brown Birmingham Mining and Copper Half Penny.  This large copper is 29mm in diameter and weighs in a bit more than 13gm. It is technically a token that was allowed by the English government to be minted and issued by private enterprises in the late 1790s to make up for a shortage if official copper coins used for everyday purchases. It also enabled employers to play their day workers and was accepted by area businesses. In addition to the interesting classic designs on both sides, this one has a lettered edge showing who or what businesses issued it - in this case case, the reverse says “PAYABLE AT” and the edged letters shows “Birmingham, Redruth, Swansea” followed with seven astrological signs representing the then seven classically recognized planets.
On the obverse is a seated female (a pseudo Britannia) holding a fasces. On the reverse is a stork representing fertility standing atop a cornucopia representing plenty. This one has extremely fine detail showing on the obverse as the fasces lines show clearly as does the left hand which usually is worn flat. Also, fine detail show in the dress. On the reverse, detail still shows in some of the stork’s feathers and the cornucopia displays good detail. This show some overall slight circulation marks but is one of the better of these I have seen. As I got this one a while back, I can offer at a good price and will provide FREE SHIPPING to within the US.