1795 British Conder Provincial Halfpenny Token – Dorsetshire, Poole
A Fascinating Window Into 18th-Century Georgian Commerce & Exonumia
Step back into the height of the Industrial Revolution with this captivating 1795 Conder provincial halfpenny token from Poole, Dorsetshire. Issued privately by merchants to alleviate a severe shortage of official small-change copper coinage during the reign of George III, these pieces—collectively known as Conder tokens—represent a cornerstone of British numismatic and social history.
Displaying an attractive, lightly circulated copper surface and historic detailing, this scarce piece of exonumia offers collectors a tangible connection to the economic realities and artistry of late 18th-century Britain.
Product Specifications
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Type / Denomination: Provincial Halfpenny Token
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Year of Issue: 1795
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Region / Origin: Dorsetshire, Poole, United Kingdom
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Composition: Copper
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Condition: Lightly Circulated
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Classification: Exonumia / Trade Token
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Catalog Reference: Listed by Dalton & Hamer (Scarce)
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Diameter: 0.917 inches
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Weight: 0.15 ounces
Key Features & Historical Significance
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The Conder Token Phenomenon: Named after 18th-century enthusiast Thomas Conder, these private merchant tokens were widely accepted in local trade to bridge the gap left by the Royal Mint’s failure to produce adequate low-denomination currency.
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Period Craftsmanship: Showcasing the fine engraving and design standards of the late 1700s, these pieces served both a functional economic purpose and a promotional role for local merchants.
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Collector Desirability: Cataloged as scarce by standard reference works (Dalton & Hamer), regional issues from Poole, Dorsetshire, are highly prized additions for advanced numismatists and collectors focusing on Georgian-era British exonumia.
Add this remarkable piece of British commercial history to your token collection today.
