Trade token (reverse), Halfpenny, of Alexander Molison, Dundee, Angus

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This is the reverse of a copper halfpenny trade token of Alexander Molison of Dundee in Angus. Dated 1795, the token was designed by James Wright Junior.

The reverse depicts a harbour with a sailing ship alongside a quay. Below are the arms, supporters and motto of Dundee with the words 'WRIGHT' to the left and 'DELIN' to the right. The surrounding text reads 'COMMERCE AUGMENTS DUNDEE'.

In the second half of the 18th century, the government's failure to issue adequate small change resulted in traders and companies issuing their own token coinage. Circulated locally, these tokens could be used to buy goods or redeemed for regal coinage.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-998-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1926.468
• Date: 1795
  
• Material: Copper; very slight wear. Inscription: Obv.: DUNDEE HALF PENNY . 1795 .; view of an ancient tower; in exergue, OLD TOWER / FOUNDED / 1189. Rev.: COMMERCE AUGMENTS DUNDEE; view of a harbour, with a ship alongside a quay; in exergue, arms and supporters of
  Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Angusshire 10
  Trade token
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 28.00 mm; weight 10.92 g; die axis 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Angusshire 10
  Trade token
  
• Subject: Trade Tokens
  
• Who: Alexander Molison (Issuer)
  P. Kempson (Manufacturer)
  
• Where: England, Birmingham
  Scotland, Angus, Dundee
  
• Event:
• Description: Copper halfpenny trade token of Alexander Molison, Dundee, Angus, 1795
  
• References:
  • Calder, J. 'The Wealth of a Nation'. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989 pp. 179-80 
• Translations:
• Related Records: