PC-1B2 1844 Province of Canada Bank of Montreal Half Penny Token Very Fine (VF20)

PC-1B2 1844 Province of Canada Bank of Montreal Half Penny Bank Token, Very Fine (VF-20)

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.

1B2 Variety: On the obverse, the trees are tall, and on the reverse, the beaver has a long nose.

Specifications:
Composition: Copper
Weight: 9.5 g
Diameter: 28 mm
Die Axis: ↑↑
Edge: Plain
Mint: The Soho Mint, Handsworth, United Kingdom
Mintage: 1,440,000