18th century “evasion” halfpenny
This peculiar looking copper coin was sent in by Mike Ruczynski with a request for further details and a valuation.
On the obverse the bust looks like that on the 1770-75 halfpennies of George III but it has a letter C below and the surrounding legend reads CLAUDUIS ROMANUS . On the reverse the seated figure of Britannia has the date 1774 below and the legend on this side reads DELECTAT RUS C.
This coin belongs to a large range of copper coins, which are sometimes described as ‘evasions’. There are many types, varieties and dates. This particular type is known with different combinations of obverse and reverse dies and at least one other date.
In the later decades of the 18th century there was an acute shortage of small change. Matthew Boulton of Birmingham eventually received a government contract in 1797 but before this the shortfall was made up by tokens and unofficial coins. Provided that the makers did not copy the designs of official currency then they could not be prosecuted for forgery. Tokens and coins like the one pictured here helped to facilitate small scale transactions. It would seem that no-one was particularly concerned about this situation as when small change was needed anything was better than nothing.
Valuation
This ‘halfpenny’ would grade only Fair to Fine but has some eye appeal. I traced a few on the internet with prices ranging from £20 to $120 depending on the state of preservation. I would price Mike’s example at £30-40.
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