Halfpenny Trade Token (Dundee)
DesignerDesigned by
James Wright Jr.
Date1796
Object NameToken
Mediumcopper alloy
ClassificationsTokens
DimensionsOverall: Diameter: 28 mm, Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: Weight: 13 gm
Weight: Weight: 13 gm
AcquisitionBequeathed in 1943 by George W Clyne.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS013568
About MeThe trade token designs of James Wright, Junior of Dundee, while not always perfect in execution, are usually easily recognisable. The 'Dundee Infirmary' token of 1796, showing the then recently-completed hospital building, is a good example of Wright's style.The enclosing of the principal feature of the design - in this case a view of the infirmary building - within a slightly sunken circle is a characteristic feature of a number of Wright's tokens.
For the reverse of his 'Dundee Infirmary' halfpenny, which he designed on behalf of an unnamed local grocer, Wright returns to one of his favourite subjects, namely the port of Dundee. Here we see a ship unloading at the quayside. Wright's stylistic device of a sunken elipse, also employed on the obverse of the token, is here used to enclose the arms of the city.
The reverse of the token is furnished with a Latin legend which translates literally as 'we cultivate the sea and commerce'. As with most of Wright's tokens the dies for this type were engraved by Thomas Wyon, Senior and the pieces were made by Kempson of Birmingham.
Hall, Russell & Company, Limited
mid 20th Century
Hall, Russell & Company, Limited
30/05/1958
North of Scotland and Orkney and Shetland Shipping Company Ltd
c. 1950
North of Scotland and Orkney and Shetland Shipping Company Ltd
c. 1950
North of Scotland and Orkney and Shetland Shipping Company Ltd
c. 1950
North of Scotland and Orkney and Shetland Shipping Company Ltd
n.d.
1781
