WE-11A1 Wellington Cuidad Rodrigo Badajoz Salamanca Token Very Fine (VF20)

WE-11A1 Wellington Cuidad Rodrigo Badajoz Salamanca Token Very Fine (VF20)

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.

These tokens were struck for use by Wellington's army in Portugal and Spain. Specimens of these tokens were brought over to Canada by troops sent to fight the Americans during the War of 1814.

Obverse: Cuirassed and laureate bust of Wellington facing left with the legend around.
Reverse: Inscription (CUIDAD RODRIGO JAN.19.1812 BADAJOZ APRIL.12.1812 SALAMANCA JULY.22.1812 &c &c &c) on eight lines within a circle, with the legend "VIMIERA AUG 21.1808. TALAVERA JULY 28.1809. ALMEIDA MAY 5.1811" around.

WE-11A1 Variety: The laurel crown has ten leaves, and at the hairline there are three locks of hair, with the centre lock being large. This variety could have a thick or thin flan, and the edge could be plain or reeded diagonally or vertically.

Specifications:
Composition: Copper
Weight: Approx. 8.5 g 
Diameter: 27.5 mm
Edge: Plain or Reeded (diagonally or vertically)
Die Axis: ↑↑