Trade token (reverse), Halfpenny, of John White, Leith

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This is the reverse of a copper halfpenny trade token of John White of Leith, a dealer in tea and gin. Dated 1796, the token was manufactured by Kendrick.

The reverse depicts a female seated holding a long pole in one hand and a pair of scales in the other. In front of her is a package labelled 'TEA' and a cask labelled 'GIN'. The surrounding text reads 'PAYABLE AT THE HOUSE/OF JOHN WHITE/KIRKGATE LEITH.'

Issued mainly in farthing or halfpenny denominations, tokens varied in quality from crude lead discs stamped with initials to elaborate pieces of craftwork from the die-sinkers with vivid depictions of industrial or commercial scenes.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-930-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.1995.420
• Date: 1796
  
• Material: Copper; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv.: SUCCESS TO THE PORT / 17 OF LEITH 96; a ship and a boat at sea; in background, to right, a fort. Rev.: PAYABLE AT THE HOUSE / OF JOHN WHITE / KIRKGATE LEITH; woman seated to left on a packing-case, hold
  Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Lothian 58
  Trade token
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 29.50 mm; weight 8.06 g; die axis 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Dalton and Hamer, Lothian 58
  Trade token
  
• Subject: Trade Tokens
  
• Who: John White (Issuer)
  Kendrick (Manufacturer)
  
• Where: England, Birmingham
  Scotland, Midlothian, Leith
  
• Event:
• Description: Copper halfpenny trade token of John White, Leith, Lothian, 1796
  
• References:
  • Calder, J. 'The Wealth of a Nation'. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989 pp. 179-80 
• Translations:
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