WE-11B8 (1812) Wellington Cuidad Rodrigo, Madrid Token Very Fine (VF20)

WE-11B8 (1812) Wellington Cuidad Rodrigo, Madrid 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 MADRID AUG.12.1812) on eight lines within a circle, with the legend "VIMIERA AUG 21.1808. TALAVERA JULY 28.1809. ALMEIDA MAY 5.1811" around.

WE-11B8 Variety: The laurel crown has eight leaves, the coat button is very large, the token is made of copper and can have either a thick or a thin flan. The edge is reeded diagonally.

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