Trade token (obverse), Farthing, of Dundee, Angus

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This is the obverse of a copper farthing trade token of Dundee in Angus. Dated 1796, the token was designed by James Wright Junior and manufactured by Kempson. The die-sinker was Wyon.

The obverse depicts a horse and cart with two packages marked 'DR' and 'TR'. The horse and cart are signifying prosperity through trade. Possibly DR stands for 'debtor' and TR for 'treasurer'.

Between 1787 and 1817 over 10,000 different types of trade token were issued to ease the shortage of small change. The contemporary fascination with tokens resulted in them becoming collectors' items. Some tokens were issued purely for collecting.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-103-354-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.208
• Date: 1796
  
• Material: Copper; slight wear. Inscription: Obv.: SIC ITUR AD OPES; horse-drawn cart to left, containing two packages labelled DR and TR; in exergue, 'Wright Des'. Rev.: * * DUNDEE FARTHING * *; a large building with a spire; 17 to left and 96 to right of spire; in
  Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Angusshire 40
  Trade token
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 22.00 mm; weight 4.53 g; die axis 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Angusshire 40
  Trade token
  
• Subject: Trade Tokens
  
• Who: P. Kempson (Manufacturer)
  
• Where: England, Birmingham
  Scotland, Angus, Dundee
  
• Event:
• Description: Copper farthing trade token of Dundee, Angus, 1796
  
• References:
  • Calder, J. 'The Wealth of a Nation'. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989 pp. 179-80 
• Translations:
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