WE-5A1 1805 Wellington Hibernia Token Fine (F12)

WE-5A1 1805 Wellinton Hibernia Token Fine (F-12)

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.

Obverse: Bust facing left with the legend around.
Reverse: A crowned cláirseach, with HIBERNIA above, and the date below.

WE-5A1 Variety: The letters in the legend are larger, there are double locks, the letters in the legend are very close together, the token has coinage die axis. 

Specifications:
Composition: Copper
Weight: 6.2 g 
Diameter: 28.2 mm
Edge: Diagonally Reeded
Die Axis: ↑↓