This is an original late 18th century British copper halfpenny token dated 1793. It was issued during the reign of King George III and belongs to the Georgian period in Britain, a time of rapid industrial growth and significant demand for small denomination coinage.

The token forms part of the provincial token coinage produced during a nationwide shortage of official copper coinage. These tokens were privately issued and widely accepted for everyday trade in towns and industrial centres.

The obverse features a left-facing classical-style male bust with the county name YORKSHIRE above and the date 1793 below. The bust is a generic figure commonly used on provincial tokens to convey stability and respectability without imitating official Royal Mint designs. The reverse displays a heraldic shield with decorative elements, surrounded by the legend PAYABLE IN SHEFFIELD, indicating the town where the token could be redeemed and circulated.

This token was intended for use in Sheffield, a major centre of metalworking and industry during the Georgian era, where the need for reliable small change was particularly acute.

Diameter approximately 29 mm.

Weight approximately 10 grams.

The token shows circulation wear consistent with age, along with a small clipped section at the edge which appears to be the result of the blank being slightly out of register at the time of striking, causing a portion of the flan to be clipped during manufacture. The edges are consistent with a striking or planchet flaw rather than later cutting or circulation damage.

A good example of a George III–era Yorkshire provincial halfpenny token, suitable for collectors of British trade tokens, Georgian history, or regional numismatics.

This item will be carefully packed and posted via Royal Mail Tracked 48.

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