Victorian brass 2 Drams Apothecary Weight dated March 16 1847 for W & T. A.

This 21.5mm well struck pleasantly toned brass Apothecary Weight was die-struck for 40 grains. Apothecaries weights were historically used by physicians and pharmacists for the assembling of medical recipes (20 grains = 1 scruple; 3 scruples = 1 dram (drachm); 8 drams = 1 troy ounce). 

The coin weights were used up until about the 1940s. This coin weight is a stater, a 2 gram coin. The symbol for the dram was the number 3 and the letters ‘ij’ are equivalent to the Roman numerals 11 meaning two. 

The weight has the date March 16, 1847, the date of the registration of the coin weight.

Obverse: A crown in centre surrounded by text

Lettering:

APOTHECARIES WEIGHT * W & T A. *
REGISTERED MARCH 16, 1847

Reverse Lettering:

TWO
3ij
DRAMS

Edge: Slightly reeded

Condition: Collector’s grade with a pleasing toned brass patina with a few surface marks as seen.

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