WE-11A5 Wellington Cuidad Rodrigo Badajoz Salamanca Half Penny Token Extra Fine (EF40)

WE-11A5 Wellington Cuidad Rodrigo Badajoz Salamanca Half Penny Token Extra Fine (EF40)

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-11A5 Variety: The laurel crown has ten leaves and is tied with a single bow. The edge can be either reeded diagonally or vertically.

Specifications:
Composition: Copper
Weight: Approx. 8.5 g 
Diameter: 27.5 mm
Edge: Reeded Diagonally or Vertically
Die Axis: ↑↑