PC-1A3 1842 Province of Canada Bank of Montreal Half Penny Token Fine (F12)

PC-1A3 1842 Province of Canada, Bank of Montreal Half Penny Bank Token, Fine (F-12)

During the early 19th century, Canada faced a shortage of small change, which lead to private banks issuing their own coinage in the form of private bank tokens. Established in 1817, the Bank of Montreal was one of Canada's earliest and most influential banks.

Obverse: The front view of a Bank of Montreal building with trees on either side, legend around.
Reverse: The Montreal Coat of Arms, with the "Bank of Montreal" on the ribbon, surrounded by a wreath of flowers, with the date and denomination below.

1A3 Variety: On the obverse, the trees are smaller, and on the reverse, the beaver has a short nose.

Specifications:
Composition: Copper
Weight: 9.5 g
Diameter: 28 mm
Die Axis: ↑↑
Edge: Plain
Mint: The Soho Mint, Handsworth, United Kingdom
Mintage: 480,000