Record

Trade token (obverse), Halfpenny, of John Steele, Forfar, Angus

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Postcard of Trade token (obverse), Halfpenny, of John Steele, Forfar, Angus.
000-100-103-355-C
© National Museums Scotland

Trade token (obverse), Halfpenny, of John Steele, Forfar, Angus

This is the obverse of a copper halfpenny trade token of John Steele of Forfar in Angus. Dated 1797, the token was designed by James Wright Junior and manufactured by Kempson. The die-sinker was Willets.

The obverse depicts a castle with the surrounding text, 'PAYABLE ON DEMAND BY JOHN STEELE'. Although the castle is unnamed, it may be the castle of David I, which is no longer standing.

John Steele issued five hundredweight of tokens. Circulated locally, trade tokens could be used to buy goods or redeemed for regal coinage. They were also an ideal way for a company to advertise its wares.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-103-355-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.1995.337
Date: 1797
Material: Copper; slight traces of lustre; no evidence of wear. Inscription: Obv.: PAYABLE ON DE=MAND BY JOHN STEELE; a castle; in exergue, WRIGHT DES. Rev.: HALFPENNY; distant view of a town from the sea; in exergue, FORFAR / 1797. Sequence of alternate dots and
Dimensions: Diameter 28.00 mm; weight 11.86 g; die axis 6.5
What: Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Angusshire 23
Trade token
Subject: Trade Tokens
Who: John Steele (Issuer)
P. Kempson (Manufacturer)
Where: England, Birmingham
Scotland, Angus, Forfar
Event:
Description: Copper halfpenny trade token of John Steele, Forfar, Angus, 1797
References:
  • Calder, J. 'The Wealth of a Nation'. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989 pp. 179-80 
Translations:
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