Trade token (obverse), Halfpenny, of Alexander Swap, Dundee, Angus

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This is the obverse of a copper halfpenny trade token of Alexander Swap of Dundee in Angus. Dated 1797, the token was designed by James Wright Junior and manufactured by Kempson. The die-sinker was Wyon.

The obverse depicts a church with a steeple, surrounded by the text, 'DUNDEE HALFPENNY/ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH FOUND.D 1772'.

Alexander Swap 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: 000-100-103-353-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.1958.3
• Date: 1797
  
• Material: Copper; moderate wear; part of reverse legend obscured owing to faulty striking . Inscription: Obv.: DUNDEE HALFPENNY / ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH FOUND.D 1772; view of church; 1797 above. Rev.: * COWGATE PORT * / THE LAST REMAINS OF OUR ANCI [ENT WAL] LS; view
  Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Angusshire 21b (addenda)
  Trade token
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 28.50 mm; weight 11.24 g; die axis 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Angusshire 21b (addenda)
  Trade token
  
• Subject: Trade Tokens
  
• Who: Alexander Swap (Issuer)
  P. Kempson (Manufacturer)
  
• Where: England, Birmingham
  Scotland, Angus, Dundee
  
• Event:
• Description: Copper halfpenny trade token of Alexander Swap, Dundee, Angus, 1797
  
• References:
  • Calder, J. 'The Wealth of a Nation'. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989 pp. 179-80 
• Translations:
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