Did this token 1813 Lion Halfpenny circulate in Colonial Canada? Since copper coinage was scarce and there were so many different halfpennies in the early 1800's in Canada, I wonder just which British halfpennies may have been acceptable in commerce. I think this one may have been found occasionally in those days, but am not sure. I wanted to start a post here for coppers, brass and others than those listed in Canadian Token catalogs that were known to mingle with the native coinage. If you know of any that ARE NOT typically included in the usual Canadian catalogs that did circulate please post and add your knowledge here. Thanks!
Sure coins circulated that are not listed in catalogues. I know that some 17th century English tokens have been excavated at archaeological digs in Virginia - who knows if they actually circulated or were just some sentimental item brought from the old country?
I belong to a metal detecting forum and off hand some of the odd ball - not in the usual books - Canada site dug coins I can recall are Portuguese and Brazilian Reis coppers from the 1700s & 1800s & Late 1700s Irish & Scottish Conder tokens. I don't recall seeing that lion halfpenny dug (Walthamstow?) but I wouldn't be shocked to see it turn up
Almost all British coins circulated in colonies so I would not be suprised to have seen conder tokens circulating too since there was a massive shortage of coppers, I would assume that they would have mainly had their own tokens to use like the catalogued stuff.. However I know in the American colonies they used alot of English tokens like the elephant coins etc
Perhaps the Coventry Token with Lady Godiva on one side and an elephant on the other. Here's a link rather than post something I don't own yet. ( But is high on my shopping list )
The elephant tokens are a century older, ca. 1694 and were a token that was circulated in London. I do have to wonder if these possibly could have circulated in the Maritimes: Perhaps from trade from the more southerly colonies. They were not popular in the colonies and Massachusetts-Bay went as far as prohibiting them in circulation and issuing a small change issue of paper money to replace them.
@TheNickelGuy and Scottishmoney Thank you for your replies. The " Rosa Americana " is just amazing. I came over a token website and got the story behind. One more item on this years wishlist. Unfortunatly they seem to be pricey. Best regards, Mynter
