Halfpenny Trade Token (Dundee)
Associated
Thomas Webster
DesignerDesigned by
James Wright Jr.
Date1797
Object NameToken
Mediumcopper alloy
ClassificationsTokens
Dimensions28 x 1.8mm, 10.9gm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS013557
About MeThis Dundee halfpenny with its view of the imposing Dudhope Castle was formerly thought to have been issued by James Wright, Junior who designed almost all of the city's 18th century trade tokens. It is now believed to have been issued by Thomas Webster of Hawkhill who also issued Dundee's only penny token. The Dudhope Castle halfpenny was, however, certainly designed by Wright: the view of the building with its foundation date, the date of the token's issue above the illustration and the informative, if cramped, inscription are all characteristic of Wright's work.The reverse of this, the 'Dudhope Castle' halfpenny, is an interesting one showing a rather well-dressed individual employed in the process of flax-heckling. The inscription around the rim of the piece details the amount and value of flax imported at Dundee in 1796.
The relevance of the illustration to the business of the issuer is not in doubt since Thomas Webster is known to have been a ropemaker and sailcloth manufacturer.
More About Me
Trade tokens like this were issued by local merchants due to a shortage of officially-produced small change.
19th Century
