WE-10A1 1816 Wellington Waterloo - The Illustrious Wellington Half Penny Token F-VF (F15)

WE-10A1 1816 Wellington Waterloo - The Illustrious Wellington Half Penny Token F-VF (F15)

Wellington tokens are among the most recognizable and widely collected pieces of early nineteenth-century British and Canadian exonumia. Originally struck in Britain following the victories of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, during the Napoleonic Wars, these copper tokens celebrated his military achievements and often featured his portrait alongside patriotic inscriptions and military imagery. Although they were not official government coinage, vast quantities were produced by private manufacturers and merchants to help alleviate the shortage of small change that plagued Britain and its colonies. Many Wellington tokens found their way to British North America, where they circulated extensively in Upper and Lower Canada alongside local merchant tokens and other privately issued pieces.

Obverse: Cuirassed and laureate bust of Wellington facing left with the legend around.
Reverse: A crowned cláirseach with the denomination above and to the right, the date below, and the legend to the left.

WE-10A1 Variety: The harp has 10 strings. The edge can either be plain or reeded.

Specifications:
Composition: Copper
Weight: Approx. 4.5 g 
Diameter: Approx 26.5 mm
Edge: Plain or Reeded
Die Axis: ↑↓